President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to boosting intra-African trade, strengthening economic cooperation, and expanding opportunities for legitimate commerce across the continent.
The President made the declaration in a message posted on his official X handle, @OfficialABAT, as Nigeria hosts the maiden Customs PACT (Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade) conference in Abuja.
President Tinubu said “the gathering convened by the Nigeria Customs Service, reflects a shared mission to remove trade obstacles, deepen cooperation, and build new channels that enable seamless economic exchange among African nations.”
He noted that the continent’s economic future relies on secure borders, fair and transparent systems, and predictable rules that encourage honest enterprise.
“Nigeria opens its doors today to partners and leaders from across the continent for The Customs PACT, the Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade. Hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service, this meeting brings a shared mission into focus. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” captures a commitment to removing obstacles, strengthening cooperation, and expanding channels for legitimate trade across Africa” President Tinubu said.
He said; “Our task is a serious one strong nations and a strong Africa will be built on secure borders and fair systems. Growth depends on clear, predictable, and consistent rules. Businesses thrive when the environment encourages honest trade and rewards effort. People prosper when confidence replaces uncertainty.”
Reiterating Nigeria’s leadership role, President Tinubu further noted that expanded Intra-African Trade will unlock latent opportunities for the entire African continent.
Build the structures
He pledged that the country would “lead with clarity and purpose” as it works alongside partners to build the structures that will secure a more integrated and prosperous African future.
As delegates from the World Customs Organisation, Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, more than 30 African Customs administrations, and other key public and private sector stakeholders gather in Abuja this week, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to fostering cooperation that protects the economy, supports traders and economic operators, boosts intra-African trade, and strengthens the foundations of continental growth.
The President said; “We will lead with clarity. We will lead with purpose. We will play our part and continue to build the bridges that secure a more connected and prosperous African future. @NigeriaGov”
The C- PACT event has drawn 30 African Customs administrations, 22 delegations led by their Comptroller-Generals or Directors-General as well as partners and leaders from across Africa and global trade institutions to deliberate under the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.”
The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Conference.
The strategic policy forum is also designed to strengthen technical capacity through shared training, modernised systems, and the adoption of international best practices across West, Central, East, Southern, and North Africa.
Lateefah Ibrahim