- Tinubu Urges Africa to Move from Slow Borders to Trade-Driven Systems
- The President urged African nations to work towards borders that match the demands of modern technological advancement
- Says NCS has introduced digital clearance systems and risk-based inspections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building an Africa where borders facilitate trade and economic growth rather than hindering it, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the Customs Pact – Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade, the President urged African nations to work towards borders that match the demands of modern technological advancement.
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The event brought together leaders and partners from across the continent, demonstrating a collective resolve to eliminate the inefficiencies of traditional border systems.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu stressed that size, resources, and talent are irrelevant if nations are constrained by fragmented markets and inefficient borders. He said Nigeria is committed to building a continent where integration is practical, measurable, and effective.
“Fragmented markets cannot achieve industrial scale, negotiate effectively with global powers, or withstand external shocks. Integration enables industrialisation, collective bargaining strength, and resilient supply chains,” he said.
The President highlighted that Africa had taken the critical step by agreeing to the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, he emphasised that success would be judged by tangible outcomes, including shorter border crossing times, reliable local-currency settlements, and efficient movement of goods.
He noted Nigeria’s practical measures to support integration, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System to boost intra-African trade, non-oil export growth, and coordinated reforms across key institutions. The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced digital clearance systems and risk-based inspections, the Nigerian Ports Authority has modernised port operations, the Central Bank facilitates local-currency settlements through PAPSS, and the Standards Organisation harmonises product standards. NEPC and NEXIM Bank support export readiness and targeted financing.
President Tinubu concluded that these coordinated efforts are creating a unified trade-enabling infrastructure, positioning Nigeria to trade with confidence and strengthening Africa’s collective negotiating power.
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