Cross-border traders hail new information centres to facilitate regional trade

By Abimbola Abdullahi

Cross-border traders under the aegis of West African Association for Cross-Border Trade, in Agro-forestry-pastoral, Fisheries products and Food (WACTAF) have thrown their weight in support of the new Trade Information and Border Assistance Desk (TIBAD) in 23 border areas connecting Nigeria.

Already, seven border information centers have been built and commissioned, while 16 others are in the processes of construction.

The information centres, built by the International Trade Center is aimed at sharing necessary information and facilitate trade among countries in the region.

President, Executive Board of AOCTAH/WACTAF, Salami Nassiru Alasoadua, during a team visit to Maradi centre said the centres were designed to provide information to traders; assist small cross-border traders; provide Customs clearance procedures to traders; help traders understand formal border crossing procedures; assist traders in identifying taxes, duties, fees and charges that apply to their goods.

The centres, according to him, would also assist traders in resolving disputes that may arise at the border or with officials (If a trader’s goods are confiscated by officials for any reason).

The commissioned centres are located in Diboli, Noe, Dakola, Aflao, Igolo, Dan-Issa, Maigatari.

Others are expected to be located in Kalifourou, Amdalai, Keur Ayib, Gueckedou, Rosso Senegal, Yendere, Kouremale, A identifier (Guinea), A Identifier (Liberia), Igolo, Ilela, Cinkasse, Seme, Jibia, Malanville and Nfun.

Alasoadua said the benefits of the border information center for Nigeria and neighboring countries is to formalize trade help traders regularize documentation.

He said the visit to the center is to organize capacity building for traders and border information centers staff by lecturing them on international policy, regional policy, and national policies. For example VAT is about 7.5%, Niger 19%, Benin Republic 18%, Gana 12.5%.

WACTAF is composed of 17 countries 15 ECOWAS members States. The role of WACTAF is to educate it members on how to formalize trade by providing basic trading information that traders must know before importing or exporting products. It also advises members on the short means of transportation, and conduct feasibility study on market price.

By Abimbola Abdullahi

Cross-border traders under the aegis of West African Association for Cross-Border Trade, in Agro-forestry-pastoral, Fisheries products and Food (WACTAF) have thrown their weight in support of the new Trade Information and Border Assistance Desk (TIBAD) in 23 border areas connecting Nigeria.

Already, seven border information centers have been built and commissioned, while 16 others are in the processes of construction.

The information centres, built by the International Trade Center is aimed at sharing necessary information and facilitate trade among countries in the region.

President, Executive Board of AOCTAH/WACTAF, Salami Nassiru Alasoadua, during a team visit to Maradi centre said the centres were designed to provide information to traders; assist small cross-border traders; provide Customs clearance procedures to traders; help traders understand formal border crossing procedures; assist traders in identifying taxes, duties, fees and charges that apply to their goods.

The centres, according to him, would also assist traders in resolving disputes that may arise at the border or with officials (If a trader’s goods are confiscated by officials for any reason).

The commissioned centres are located in Diboli, Noe, Dakola, Aflao, Igolo, Dan-Issa, Maigatari.

Others are expected to be located in Kalifourou, Amdalai, Keur Ayib, Gueckedou, Rosso Senegal, Yendere, Kouremale, A identifier (Guinea), A Identifier (Liberia), Igolo, Ilela, Cinkasse, Seme, Jibia, Malanville and Nfun.

Alasoadua said the benefits of the border information center for Nigeria and neighboring countries is to formalize trade help traders regularize documentation.

He said the visit to the center is to organize capacity building for traders and border information centers staff by lecturing them on international policy, regional policy, and national policies. For example VAT is about 7.5%, Niger 19%, Benin Republic 18%, Gana 12.5%.

WACTAF is composed of 17 countries 15 ECOWAS members States. The role of WACTAF is to educate it members on how to formalize trade by providing basic trading information that traders must know before importing or exporting products. It also advises members on the short means of transportation, and conduct feasibility study on market price.