This is an indication that the ECOWAS region is yet to maximise the gains of ETLS. Again, this underscores the level of our limited preparedness for the African Continental Free Trade Area .”
Nnadi stated that factors such as non-adherence to transit agreements under ECOWAS, World Trade Organisation , World Customs Organisation and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff as well as border closure were responsible for the low ranking. “It is important to note that the Nigeria 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures by the Federal Ministry of Finance lifted the ban on export of goods imported into Nigeria hitherto prohibited under item 8 Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff. It is hoped that our stakeholders take full advantage of this gesture while our brothers from other countries in the sub-region particularly the Republic of Benin will reciprocate this gesture where there are existing trade barriers.
Meanwhile, the Customs boss declared that the Seme border command of the service, within the review period, recorded various seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N1.82 billion.