Yemisi Izuora
The Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme border Mohammed Garba Ubah, has suggested the creation of more joint border posts among countries in Africa to enhance the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is a trade agreement between African Union member states, with the goal of creating a single market followed by free movement and a single-currency union, and Nigeria recently became the 53rd country that signed into the agreement.
According to Ubah, the policy would be better implemented if African countries could establish more joint border posts as he stressed that the concept of joint border post between Nigeria and Republic of Benin has tremendously eliminated migration formalities and delay.
Ubah, who hosted Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) delegation led by its President, Ajibola Abayomi paid a courtesy to his office, stated that the concept enables speed collation and exchange of data of migrants and their goods. He explained that the joint border post allows the incorporation of local traders with quality control on their movement in and out of the countries.
“We have the cargo and pedestrian section with one exit and entry between Nigeria and Republic of Benin. This has fortified the long years of trade relationship between the two countries,” he posited.
According to him, there are 80 joint border posts in Africa with only eight existing in West Africa sub-region.
He also advised that migrants could avail themselves opportunity granted by the Federal Government to improve their living conditions without enslaving themselves abroad.
The Comptroller said though he acknowledged that nationalities of nations move from one border to the other for economic and other reasons, he however said Nigerians could lash on the federal government’s incentive on exportation to earn both local and foreign currencies.
“There is zero tariff on all exported goods that are locally produced in Nigeria especially on agricultural products. Government is even offering cash incentives to encourage local production as well.
“I am saying this because many Nigerians that have turned themselves to illegal migrants can return home and take the opportunity” he said.
Ubah was quick to note that most borders towns need government presence in the area of infrastructure and facilities to fast track development.
He praised the federal government for commencing the reconstruction of Badagry-Seme international road saying it would boost business transactions across the border post.
According to him, whenever the road was completed all the check points would vanish to complement the ease of doing business.