About 200 small-scale cross-border traders (SSCBTs) in Nigeria on Monday completed a six-week training programme under the Trade Facilitation West Africa (TFWA) initiative.
The initiative, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) was driven by development partners.
The training was supported by development partners such as USAID, the European Union, the Netherlands and Germany, aiming to improve trade facilitation in West Africa.
The World Bank Group and GIZ managed the programme, with oversight from ECOWAS and the UEMOA Commission.
The President of NANTS, Dr Ken Ukaoha, said that the programme, held from Sept. 10 to Oct. 3, aimed to enhance the trade proficiency of the participants.
Ukaoha explained that the selected traders, from eight trade associations in the Southwest zone, were taught 13 thematic modules.
He said that the associations represented included NANTS, WAACBOT, the Trans Border Traders Association of Nigeria, the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network, Nigeria, BACCIMA and OWIT.
Others, he said were Badagry Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BACCIMA) and the Organisation of Women in Traders (OWIT).
According to him, the TFWA programme has three main components, including one focused on reducing barriers for SSCBTs and focusing on improving conditions for women traders.
“Out of the 200 selected beneficiaries, women represented about 66 per cent, while men took 34 per cent. The training was taken in two batches by two eminent teachers ; Barrister Kolawale Awe and Barrister Tajudeen Olanrewaju,” he said.
The NANTS president noted that the traders were empowered with the right attitude, mindset and technical competence to face the challenges of cross-border trade facilitation.
Ukaoha noted that with the programme, the traders could withstand offensive threats and challenges or resist corrupt tendencies by officials at the border.
He stated the training highlighted ways of improving cross boarder trade, challenges and gaps that have impaired and stifled cross-border trade in Nigeria.
Ukaoha appreciated the World Bank and other partners for their support and urged the Federal Government to improve cross-border trade to secure foreign exchange earnings and protect the exchange rate.
He stressed that effective trade facilitation is crucial for wealth distribution and poverty reduction in Nigeria, given its economic challenges and multidimensional poverty.
According to him small-scale cross-border trade can be a significant source of sustainable revenue for the country.
Ukaoha called for government intervention to ensure that border officials operate with decorum and comply with the laws without hindering trade.
In her remark, the representative of TFWA, Ms Alicia Stephens, commended the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained.
She mentioned that 15 African countries, including Nigeria, were selected for the training to increase the efficiency of regional trade corridors.
Mr Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, ECOWAS, appreciated the partners for the initiative.
Sofola highlighted the importance of supporting small-scale cross-border traders, who contribute to livelihood, food security and poverty reduction.
He noted ECOWAS’ efforts to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA).
Chief Kelvin Oye, President of NACCIMA, represented by Alhaji Yahaya Idris, congratulated the traders for completing the training.
He emphasised the importance of the training, which he added include understanding trade regulations and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Mr Victor Nnotum, a participant, expressed gratitude for the training and its impact on his knowledge and confidence in cross-border trade.
Representatives of European Union, Netherlands Embassy, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Shippers, Council and other stakeholders also attended the event.
