The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius MON, has emphasized that the effective use of Border Information Centres (BICs) will significantly enhance trade volumes across Nigeria’s land borders.
Dr. Akutah made this known virtually during the film screening and dialogue session themed “Trade Now: Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Border Information Centres”, held in Badagry, Lagos.
He commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and other partners for their collaborative efforts in advancing trade facilitation initiatives across the region.
The Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Mrs. Ify Okolue, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator to promoting seamless and cost-effective trade across the nation’s borders.
She described Border Information Centres as catalysts for economic growth, noting that they provide structured platforms that enhance transparency, offer guidance, and support dispute resolution for cross-border traders.
Okolue further acknowledged the vital contributions of ECOWAS, GIZ, and other stakeholders in strengthening trade operations, adding that BICs deliver timely, on-the-spot information, essential for traders navigating border processes.
Also speaking, the Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, represented by Mrs. Sarah Akpofure, stressed the importance of sustained sensitization campaigns to improve traders’ understanding of documentation requirements, best practices, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
She also highlighted the need to prioritize e-commerce, gender-inclusive trade, and sustainable practices in future awareness programmes.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade through coordinated border management.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Area Controller of Seme-Krake Border, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, noted that the Service continues to work in synergy with the NSC and other security agencies to promote lawful business activities and improve access for traders operating at the borders.
He emphasized that sustained collaboration among border agencies remain critical to unlocking trade potential and improving economic integration across the West African sub-region.
