By Rosemary Ugiomoh
The Nigeria Customs Service has wrapped up the three-day Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit in Abuja, with African customs administrations pledging to strengthen cooperation to eliminate non-tariff barriers.
The summit, hosted by Customs CG Adewale Adeniyi, brought together customs chiefs, policy experts, and private-sector players to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The C-PACT initiative will serve as a platform for African customs administrations to share operational experiences and harmonize processes in support of AfCFTA.
The summit resolved to strengthen border procedures, improve compliance systems, and reduce non-tariff barriers that hinder cross-border trade.
Delegates agreed to continue the C-PACT platform as a technical body to review progress and align national systems with continental standards.
Vice President Kashim Shettima urged African countries to dismantle structural barriers to trade and adopt a continent-wide framework for competitiveness and industrial growth.
WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders emphasized the critical role of customs authorities in connecting borders, enforcing standards, and determining trade realities.
– Afreximbank’s Kanayo Awani stressed that modernized and interoperable customs systems are crucial for AfCFTA’s economic benefits to be realized.
Private-sector actors highlighted delays, inconsistent procedures, and documentation hurdles that discourage intra-African trade.
Emenike Kingsley, National President of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents, noted that the summit provided a unique opportunity for customs managers and economic operators to address operational constraints.
