As part of its continuous efforts to deepen regional trade integration and empower women entrepreneurs across West Africa, the ECOWAS Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE), Nigeria Chapter, led by its President, Princess Omotola Basirat Omole, held a high-level engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command.

The strategic meeting took place at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post (JBP), Seme and featured the participation of FEBWE Nigeria executives including Lead Consultant Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Ambassador Nicky Maxwell, and Ms. Bukola Agemo—both ITC National Consultants, Mrs. Bosede Essien, Mrs. Rukayat Ahmed, Mr. Femi and Mr. Ayodele N. Goboze.

NCS Delegation Included:

• DC Revenue – DC OT Adeyemo (representing Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo)
• DC Export
• DC Enforcement
• DC Baggage – Represented by Mr. Y.H. Madaki

Key Discussion Highlights

1. Trade Barriers and Ease of Doing Business

A major focus of the session was the need to eliminate persistent trade bottlenecks at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post. The Customs team shared recent initiatives including:

• Reduction of checkpoints from 8 to 3, significantly improving border efficiency.
• Ongoing inter-agency consultations to streamline clearance processes and enhance the movement of goods and persons across the corridor.

2. Export Procedures under ECOWAS ETLS

Participants engaged in an interactive discussion around export documentation, Customs procedures under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), and opportunities for women entrepreneurs to leverage ETLS for greater access to regional markets.

3. Support for Informal Cross-Border Traders

The Customs Baggage unit, led by Mr. Y.H. Madaki, presented the dedicated corridor for Small-Scale Informal Cross-Border Traders (SSICBT). This initiative allows smooth and timely passage for informal traders—many of whom are women—with minimal delays.

4. Preparations for the 2nd ECOWAS FEBWE International Trade Fair – 2025

FEBWE Nigeria formally presented updates on the 2nd ECOWAS FEBWE International Trade Fair. Customs was called upon to support the smooth passage of participants and goods, and they responded positively—requesting a list of delegates ahead of time for proper coordination.

Site Inspection

Following the technical session, the delegation was led on a guided inspection of critical border facilities:

• The exclusive corridor for small-scale informal traders was found to be clean, well-equipped, and effectively managed by Nigeria Customs, Immigration, and Port Health Services.
• At the truck terminal, procedures for imports and goods in transit were observed, with commendations given for the structured operations and the professionalism of the officers.

Conclusion

The visit underscored the significant progress made by the Nigeria Customs Service in facilitating inclusive trade at the Seme-Krake border. The dedicated corridor for informal traders is a noteworthy infrastructure that, if properly publicized, could transform how women engage in cross-border commerce.

ECOWAS FEBWE Nigeria Chapter extends its profound appreciation to Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo and his team for their warm reception and demonstrated commitment to trade facilitation.

As the region celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the ECOWAS Commission, this collaboration marks a critical step in the journey towards inclusive economic development and the empowerment of women-led businesses across West Africa.