NSC, customs, ECOWAS rally support for seamless border trade

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima MON, has stressed that the effective utilization of Border Information Centres (BICs) holds the key to increasing trade volumes and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s land borders.

Dr. Akutah made this known virtually during a film screening and dialogue session themed “Trade Now: Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Border Information Centres” held in Badagry, Lagos. He described BICs as strategic platforms designed to provide accurate, real-time information to traders, reduce bottlenecks and promote transparency in cross-border transactions.

The NSC boss commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and other development partners for their sustained collaboration in advancing trade facilitation initiatives within the sub-region.

Reaffirming the Council’s mandate as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Director of Consumer Affairs at NSC, Mrs. Ify Okolue, emphasized the agency’s commitment to promoting seamless and cost-effective trade. She described BICs as catalysts for economic growth, noting that they serve as structured channels for transparency, guidance and dispute resolution for traders operating across borders.

Okolue further explained that the centres provide timely, on-the-spot information to help traders navigate documentation requirements and border procedures, thereby minimizing delays and unnecessary costs.

Also speaking, the Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, represented by Mrs. Sarah Akpofure, underscored the importance of continuous sensitization campaigns to improve traders’ understanding of documentation standards, compliance procedures and available dispute resolution mechanisms. She added that future awareness programmes must prioritize e-commerce, gender-inclusive trade policies and environmentally sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade through coordinated border management.

Adenuga

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Area Controller of Seme-Krake Border, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, said the Service remains committed to working in synergy with the NSC and other security agencies to ensure smooth and lawful business operations at the borders.

He emphasized that sustained inter-agency collaboration is essential to unlocking the full trade potential of Nigeria’s borders and strengthening economic integration within the West African sub-region.

The event reinforced the growing consensus among regional stakeholders that improved access to reliable trade information and stronger institutional cooperation are critical to boosting cross-border commerce and driving inclusive economic growth.