Nigeria is positioning itself as the central hub for intra-African commerce, citing a steady rise in export volumes over the past two years. The move comes as the country prepares to host the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit in Abuja, November 17–19, 2025.

Key points from the briefing:

• Export volumes have grown by more than 30% in the last two years.
• The government wants to redirect more of this growing trade toward African markets and strengthen continental trade integration.
• Customs leadership, including the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that sustainable regional trade requires Customs at the centre—enforcing rules of origin, applying preferences, and ensuring goods truly benefit from AfCFTA.
• President Tinubu’s administration has included trade facilitation, port decongestion, and modernisation of cross-border systems as clear performance targets in a renewed mandate.
• Nigeria will host the secretary-general of the World Customs Organisation, Ian Sanders, at C-PACT, highlighting the country’s rising role in continental trade diplomacy.
• Delegations from more than 30 Customs administrations are expected at the summit, with 22 led by Directors-General.
• The government notes strong support from various agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, AFREXIMBANK, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and port authorities.

What to expect at the C-PACT Summit:

• Direct conversations with private-sector operators across Africa to identify barriers to cross-border trade and find practical solutions.
• Continued emphasis on the AfCFTA’s implementation and the role of Customs in enforcing trade rules and ensuring equitable benefits from the agreement.
• Nigeria is a leading leader in forging stronger continental trade ties and modernising cross-border trade infrastructure.

Context:

• The renewed mandate for the Customs leadership aligns with a broader strategy to use trade as a driver of economic development and poverty alleviation.
• The summit will mark a significant step in correcting past gaps and deepening engagement between African Customs administrations, policymakers, and the private sector.

With export growth climbing and a strategic focus on continental trade integration, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pivotal player in Africa’s intra-trade network. The upcoming C-PACT Summit in Abuja will likely be a focal point for advancing Customs-led reforms and expanding African trade collaboration.