… sets to empower Nigerian importers to use any ECOWAS port with tariffs credited to Nigeria

… policy aligns with NIMASA’s plans to localize bunkering services

Oredola Adeola

The Directors General of Customs from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo have committed to integrating with the ECOWAS electronic Interconnected Transit Goods Management System (SIGMAT). This strategic alignment, set to be implemented before September 2024, aims to streamline goods transit along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.

Advisors Reports reveal that this policy will enable Nigerian importers to utilize any port within the ECOWAS region, with tariffs being appropriately paid and credited to Nigerian authorities.

This agreement was solidified during a crucial meeting of Customs Directors General, held in Lomé, Togo, from June 24 to 25, 2024, under the guidance of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme Task Force.

The Customs administrations resolved to organize SIGMAT awareness-raising and training activities for their partners and administrations.

While participants were also invited by the ECOWAS Commission to take the necessary steps to get the other ECOWAS member states connected to the SIGMAT e-Hub by the end of September 2024, and to create a SIGMAT website to serve as a communication and information tool to ensure transparency in the operation of the transit solution.

The Togolese Commissioner for Customs and Indirect Taxation, represented by Mr. Piguendelewe AKAYA, Director of Customs Operations, in his comment, congratulated the Commission on having taken the initiative of inviting the Directors General of customs administrations on the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor (ALCO) to reflect on the automation of transit along the corridor.

On behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé LITSE-TOURE, Mr. Salifou TIEMTORE, recalled the major role played by Togo in the regional integration process in general, and in transit trade in particular.

He invited customs officials to courageously address the challenges that continue to hamper transit along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Dr. Mohammed Ibn CHAMBAS, Chairman of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Task Force, in remark, noted that the ECOWAS was founded on the dual promise of free movement and economic integration, considered by its founding fathers as an essential lever for development, with a view to achieving a peaceful and prosperous region.

Chairman of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Task Force therefore welcomed the SIGMAT initiative, which responds both to a concern for securing transit between member states, while also contributing to the mobilization of customs revenues essential to financing the development of our states.

He reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to working alongside customs administrations for the full deployment of SIGMAT across the region.

Advisors Reports gathered that, alongside the initiative to integrate with the ECOWAS electronic Interconnected Transit Goods Management System (SIGMAT), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is also taking significant steps to enhance maritime operations. NIMASA is working to establish ship-to-ship (STS) zones, aiming to prevent cargo diversion to neighboring countries and keep maritime business within Nigeria’s borders.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General NIMASA in May during the 2024 Stakeholders Engagement on enhanced activities in the blue economy sector organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in Lagos noted that the agency is working on creating STS zones, which will be made public very soon.

Mobereola stated, “We are fully aware of the bunkering business and are actively addressing it. We aim to collaborate with you to localize our operations, ensuring our vessels no longer need to travel to Lomé, Takoradi, and beyond for bunkering, as we are capable of handling these services domestically.”