Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has identified numerous bottlenecks that is causing hinderances to cross-border trade.
As part of its commitment to promoting seamless intra-African trade and supporting Nigerian exporters, the Association under the leadership of the National President, Engr Jani Ibrahim mni, OON undertook a strategic road trip from Nigeria to Togo, starting from Lagos – through the Seme Border on the way to participate at the Biashara Afrika 2026 in Lomé, Togo.
The Association during the tour discovered several issues hindering cross-border trade, including delays at border posts, multiple checkpoints, administrative bottlenecks, and other non-tariff barriers that increase the cost of doing business and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian exports within the West African sub-region.
This fact-finding mission provided NACCIMA delegation with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the challenges and bottlenecks confronting exporters along the route. During the exercise, the delegation engaged directly with exporters, transport operators, customs officials, and other relevant stakeholders along the way, to identify operational constraints affecting the smooth movement of goods across borders.
Speaking during the visit, the National President of NACCIMA reaffirmed the commitment by the Association to continue to advocate for policies and reforms that would optimally facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration and improve the ease of doing business in line with the objectives of both the ETLS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The findings from the road trip will form part of NACCIMA’s ongoing engagement with government agencies, regional institutions, and development partners aimed at addressing trade barriers and creating a more efficient, predictable and competitive export environment for Nigerian businesses.
NACCIMA, as private sector leader, remains committed to championing initiatives that enhance market access, promote regional value chains, and unlock the full potential of intra-African trade for the benefit of Nigerian enterprises and the broader African economy.
Accompanying the National President on the trip were: Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, National Vice President, NACCIMA, Engr. Olusola Obadimu, Director General, NACCIMA, Alhaji Salami Alasoadura, Cross Border Trade Adviser, NACCIMA, Hajia Amina Lawal-Aliyu, Head, Trade Facilitation, NACCIMA, Mr. Willem Inya, Manager, Research add Rotimi Obagbemi, Manager, Public Relations