Retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, (mni), has called on Nigerian importers to transit from importation of finished products to importation of raw materials for local assembly, manufacturing and export to other African countries.
Nnadi, who spoke at the fifth annual lecture and awards ceremony of Primetime Reporters held at Rockview Hotel, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on finished goods may threaten the businesses of importers, freight forwarders and clearing agents as the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, reshapes regional trade.
According to him, goods produced within Africa that satisfy AfCFTA rules of origin and local content requirements enjoy preferential tariff treatment, making them cheaper than imports from outside the continent. “If I import from China, I will pay duty. If I import from an African country, I am not paying duty,” he said.
He challenged freight forwarders and clearing agents to consider the implication if importers begin to source goods from African economies instead of overseas markets. “Will you still remain in business if importation is done through our African brother’s economy, where duty will not be paid for goods imported?” he asked.
Nnadi disclosed that he had engaged the Anambra State Government on the need to prepare traders for the emerging trade environment, urging a strategic shift over the next five years from trading in finished imports to manufacturing and exporting to African markets.
He said Nigeria has the potential to become a manufacturing and export hub rather than remain import-dependent, stressing the need to maximise waterways and trade infrastructure to support regional commerce.
Reflecting on trade facilitation, Nnadi commended Federal Government reforms including ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Port Community System and the National Single Window, saying Nigeria is making steady progress despite not yet attaining desired efficiency.
He also urged maritime stakeholders to pay attention to environmental emissions and transition to green energy, noting that sustainability is increasingly critical in global maritime trade.
The event, themed on smarter gateways and greener logistics through the Port Community System and National Single Window, had Dr. Charles Okorefe, Managing Director of Kamany Marine Services, as keynote speaker.
Nnadi, who retired after 35 years in Customs Service and now consults for Port Protocols Nigeria Limited, congratulated award recipients and commended Primetime Reporters for sustaining the annual lecture.
He was later honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation.
