NEPC, SOUTHWEST REGION HOSTS STAKEHOLDERS AT THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE, SEME AREA COMMAND TO DISCUSS NEED TO STRENGTHEN INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), South-West Regional Office, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, hosted stakeholders at a meeting on Wednesday, 27 August 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Seme Area Command. The engagement brought together key stakeholders in the export and trade ecosystem to discuss measures to facilitate exports, strengthen intra-African trade, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.
Representing NACCIMA, were Barr. Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group; Dr. Praise Abina, Senior Research Manager at the NACCIMA Secretariat; Director-General, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Engr. Senton Senu with several members of the NACCIMA Export Group.
The Customs Area Controller was represented by the Deputy Controller General, Revenue, Mr. C.C. Adeyemo, while the NEPC delegation was led by the Deputy Director/Regional Coordinator, South-West, Arc. Benedict N. Itegbe.
The visit provided a platform for a roundtable discussion among port and border stakeholders on practical measures to address challenges confronting exporters, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and to promote the effective implementation of the One-Stop Border Post mechanism.
The discussions also emphasised the strategic importance of the Seme border to Nigeria’s trade and economic development, particularly its role in promoting economic empowerment and boosting intra-African trade. Stakeholders acknowledged the significant work being undertaken to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and facilitate cross-border commerce.
During the engagement, Barr. Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group, stressed the need for a designated window through which MSMEs can channel their complaints and obtain timely assistance in resolving export-related challenges. He emphasised that improved access to support and responsive mechanisms would encourage more SMEs to participate actively in export trade.
Other stakeholders present included representatives of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASSI), raw materials research institutions, the exporters’ community, and other relevant stakeholders.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration among government agencies, private-sector organisations and the business community in simplifying export procedures, improving market access, strengthening border trade infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to take advantage of regional and international trade opportunities.
NACCIMA Secretariat
27 August, 2026.
