By Omolade AbdulKareem & Orgi Winifred Ngozi
Harboursandport.com: Lagos- October 25, 2024: Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, has assured that effective implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, will not only create a market for over one billion people but also reduce poverty, as well as attract investment opportunities.
This was disclosed at the closing ceremony of a training program for about 200 cross-border traders in Lagos by President of NACCIMA, Otunba Kelvin Dele Oye.
Oye noted that while the benefits of AfCFTA are enormous, much would not be achieved without the removal of barriers to cross border trade.
Speaking at the event with the theme "Trade Facilitation West Africa: Experience Sharing and Small Scale Cross Border Traders", the NACCIMA boss said the vast opportunities in the region would not be harnessed without deliberately eliminating barriers to trade within the region.
Oye, who was represented by the President of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, said, "West Africa is teeming with potential — a region rich in opportunities ranging from bustling markets to robust industries, poised for growth.
"However, unlocking this potential requires our concerted efforts to facilitate trade and dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered cross-border commerce, especially for small-scale traders.”
He told the participants that the training program was holding at the critical juncture of implementation of AfCFTA, a groundbreaking initiative that would pave the way for poverty reduction, investments, and better job opportunities.
“However, unlocking this potential requires our concerted efforts to facilitate trade and dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered cross-border commerce, especially for small-scale traders,” he said.
The six-week training program was organized by the Trade Facilitation West Africa Partners, who worked to ensure that the traders enhancement their trade proficiency skills.
The program is an initiative driven by multiple development partners, USAID, the European Union, governments of Netherland and Germany to improve trade facilitation in West Africa. It is managed by the World Bank Group and the German Development Corporation Agency GIZ, with strategic oversight and guidance provided by steering committee, chaired by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the UEMOA commission as the deputy chair.
The event focused on enhancing local business initiatives and fostering economic growth within the region.
He urged the audience to leverage technology and innovation to remain competitive in today's market.
"On behalf of NACCIMA, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the 200 traders who have successfully completed this vital six-week training program. Your unwavering commitment to enhancing your skills and building capacity for trade facilitation is a testament to your determination and a beacon of hope for the future of commerce in West Africa.
"Today marks a significant milestone, not only for the participants but for the broader regional landscape.”
The NACCIMA boss also praised NANTS for extending the training to the Badagry Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA)Members, which is the Chamber along the Lagos -Abdjan Corridor in West Africa.
The gathering was attended by local entrepreneurs, government officials, and stakeholders, all committed to strengthening the economic landscape in Badagry and beyond.
Good morning sir, as a representative and a full member of Badagry women in Agriculture, we sincerely appreciate this wonderful efforts sir.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to what you've said, we like this body to also promote our Local bussiness, sir we have different women farmers producers here in Badagry that you can also carry along as we are trying to fight against poverty here in our community but my fear is the trighteous farmers are not on same page, I will be very glad if Association of Badagry women in Agriculture can be carried along, as we've been determined to kick against poverty. Thank you sir.