Two hundred small-scale cross-border traders in Nigeria completed a six-week training programme on Monday under the Trade Facilitation West Africa initiative.

The initiative, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Traders, 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 September 10 to October 3, aimed to enhance the trade proficiency of the participants.

Ukaoha explained that the selected traders from eight trade associations in the South-West zone were taught 13 thematic modules.

He said the associations represented included NANTS, WAACBOT, the Trans-Border Traders Association of Nigeria, the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network, Nigeria, BACCIMA, OWIT, the 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, 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.

Mr 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-border trade and the challenges and gaps that have impaired and stifled cross-border trade in Nigeria.

Mr 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.

Given its economic challenges and multidimensional poverty, he stressed that effective trade facilitation is crucial for Nigeria’s wealth distribution and poverty reduction.

According to him, small-scale cross-border trade can be a significant source of sustainable revenue for the country.

Mr Ukaoha called for government intervention to ensure border officials operate decorum and comply with the laws without hindering trade.

TFWA representative 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.

Kolawole Sofola, director of trade, appreciated the partners for the initiative.

Mr 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).

Kelvin Oye, president of NACCIMA congratulated the traders for completing the training. He emphasised the importance of the training, including 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.

(NAN)