AfCFTA  adopts Nigeria as pilot country for STR, engages Customs on modalities for simplified trade

‎The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on March 23rd, 2026 held a strategic meeting with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The engagement focused on advancing the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) to support small-scale cross-border trade.

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‎The Comptroller-General of Customs was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan.

She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to making trade easier and more transparent,particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), through simplified customs procedures.

‎She noted that the Service aims to promote inclusive trade while ensuring compliance with both national and regional regulations.

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‎Speaking during the meeting, the leader of the AfCFTA delegation, Pedro Estevao, highlighted Nigeria’s role as the pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime in West Africa.

He added that Nigeria’s large market position places it in a strong position to drive regional trade and economic growth.

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‎During the session, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the STR.

The draft outlines simplified processes for informal cross-border trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions.

 These processes are supported by digital declaration systems and risk-based controls.

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‎A consultant to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Nabil Zibani, also presented the proposed continental STR framework.

 He stressed the need for simple and accessible systems that will enable MSMEs to comply with customs procedures and participate more actively in regional trade.

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‎Discussions identified key areas of alignment between the NCS draft SOP and the AfCFTA framework.

These include simplified documentation, use of digital platforms for declarations, adoption of thresholds for low-value goods, and promotion of inclusive trade, especially for women and small businesses.

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‎Both parties agreed to continue technical engagements to refine implementation strategies, address possible challenges, and ensure proper alignment between national and continental frameworks.

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‎The meeting marks an important step in positioning Nigeria as a pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime under AfCFTA, while reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to facilitating trade, strengthening regional integration, and supporting inclusive economic growth.