The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has undertaken a strategic road trip from Lagos to Lomé, Togo, to assess challenges affecting cross-border trade and the movement of goods within the West African sub-region.
The trip, led by NACCIMA National President, Jani Ibrahim, was conducted through the Seme Border en route to participation in the Biashara Afrika 2026 conference in Lomé.
According to the association, the fact-finding mission was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the operational challenges confronting exporters along the Nigeria-Togo trade corridor and identifying barriers to seamless intra-African trade.
During the journey, the NACCIMA delegation engaged with exporters, transport operators, customs officials, and other stakeholders to understand the constraints affecting the efficient movement of goods across borders.
The assessment revealed several impediments to cross-border trade, including delays at border posts, multiple checkpoints, administrative bottlenecks, and other non-tariff barriers.
NACCIMA noted that these challenges contribute to higher business costs and reduce the competitiveness of Nigerian exports within the region.
Speaking during the visit, Ibrahim reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating policies and reforms that facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration, and improve the ease of doing business.
He emphasized that such efforts align with the objectives of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that the findings from the road trip would form part of NACCIMA’s ongoing engagement with government agencies, regional institutions, and development partners to address trade barriers and create a more efficient, predictable, and competitive export environment for Nigerian businesses.
NACCIMA reaffirmed its role as a leading private-sector advocacy group, stressing its commitment to promoting market access, strengthening regional value chains, and unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade for the benefit of Nigerian enterprises and the wider African economy.
Members of the delegation included NACCIMA National Vice President, Yahaya Oladiran Idris; Director General, Olusola Obadimu; Cross-Border Trade Adviser, Salami Alasoadura; Head of Trade Facilitation, Amina Lawal-Aliyu; Manager, Research, Willem Inya; and Manager, Public Relations, Rotimi Obagbemi.
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