from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – NIGERIA is adopting standards developed by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN CEFACT) to accelerate its integration into global trade systems.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed the commitment to these standards at a recent event in Abuja, under the theme, “Strengthening Trade Facilitation and Digital Transformation in Nigeria through UN/CEFACT Standards.”
“Our alignment with UN/CEFACT is strategic,” said Assistant Comptroller Mary-Ann Egwunyega.
“These tools reduce time and cost for compliant traders, strengthen transparency and help position Nigeria as a serious player in the global trade ecosystem,” she added.
This approach to trade facilitation is hailed as going beyond automation but creating a trusted network of systems and institutions.
By adopting UN CEFACT, NCS can harmonise data, ensure interoperability and foster transparency to reduce delays and contribute to national revenue and security.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) organized the event in the Nigerian capital – Abuja.
Nonye Ayeni, NEPC Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, said by adopting UN CEFACT, Nigeria would reduce trade costs by up to 30 percent and boost gross domestic product (GDP) by 10 percent.
“This is about creating solid regulatory and legal frameworks to ensure that our exporters benefit from reduced costs and improved turnaround time,” Ayeni added.
UN CEFACT focuses on two main areas of activity to make international trade processes more efficient and streamlined, namely, trade facilitation and electronic business.
– CAJ News