Nigeria has been selected as the pilot country for the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at boosting small-scale cross-border trade.
The development was disclosed by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following engagements with a delegation from the AfCFTA Secretariat in Abuja.
According to the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, the initiative will simplify customs procedures for informal traders, passenger goods, and low-value e-commerce transactions through digital systems and risk-based controls.
He said Nigeria’s position as the largest market in West Africa makes it strategically suited to drive inclusive trade and regional economic integration.
The STR framework is expected to reduce trade barriers, cut transaction costs, and improve access to regional markets for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Industry stakeholders have described the move as a significant step towards operationalising the AfCFTA, which seeks to create a single African market of over 1.3 billion people.
Experts say effective implementation of the regime could unlock new opportunities for small businesses and enhance intra-African trade flows.
