Tinubu Opens C-PACT Summit, Says Africa Must Dismantle Inefficient Borders

By Oluwakemi Kindness

President Bola Tinubu has called on African nations to tear down inefficient borders, harmonise Customs processes and build a unified trade system capable of transforming the continent’s economic future.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit in Abuja, Tinubu said Africa must convert its population and market size into “a functional economic bloc” driven by technology, political will and coordinated policies.

He said ongoing Nigerian reforms, including FX unification, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation and Customs digitalisation, are designed to create a globally competitive trade environment.

He added that the National Single Window, due in March 2026, will cut cargo clearance time from 21 days to under seven, aligning Nigeria with AfCFTA’s digital trade standards.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said his extended mandate includes KPIs directly tied to AfCFTA.

He disclosed intensified engagements with African Customs administrations to ensure Customs is fully embedded in AfCFTA structures.

Adeniyi warned that previous regional agreements failed because member states did not honour commitments, noting that AfCFTA must avoid old patterns of inconsistency.

He said the push for Customs integration led to the creation of C-PACT, a framework linking Customs administrations, private-sector players and regional regulators.

He revealed that Nigeria’s export volume has risen over 30% in two years, and efforts are underway to redirect more trade to African markets where impact is greater.

Representing the Minister of Finance, Doris Anite said Customs reforms are central to Nigeria’s fiscal transition, lowering business costs and boosting investor confidence.

Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole added that despite AfCFTA’s potential, outdated systems still slow progress, but Nigeria has introduced tariff concession schedules and an air-cargo export corridor to East and Southern Africa.

WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders praised the summit, saying Customs efficiency will determine whether Africa can fully harness its projected economic growth in 2025.

AfreximBank’s Executive Vice President Kanayo Awani also announced support for Customs modernisation through digital tracking systems, transit guarantees, and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said effective implementation of the agreement depends on Customs leadership, commending Nigeria’s role in driving continental coordination.