Nnadi Urges Nigerian Importers To Shift From Finished Goods To Manufacturing

…Former Customs DCG says AfCFTA could threaten freight forwarders’ businesses if Nigeria fails to embrace local production

Retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, has urged Nigerian importers to shift from importing finished products to sourcing raw materials for local assembly, manufacturing and export to other African countries.

Nnadi warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported finished goods could undermine the businesses of importers, freight forwarders and clearing agents as the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA creates opportunities for trade among African countries.

He made the call while speaking at the fifth annual lecture and awards ceremony organised by Primetime Reporters at Rockview Hotel, GRA, Apapa, Lagos.

According to him, Nigerian traders must begin to anticipate changes in regional trade patterns and reposition their businesses to remain competitive in the evolving African market.

He explained that goods manufactured in African countries that satisfy AfCFTA’s rules of origin and local-content requirements could enjoy preferential tariff treatment, making them potentially more attractive to importers than goods sourced from outside the continent.

“If I import from China, I will pay duty. If I import from an African country, I am not paying duty,” Nnadi said, highlighting the implications of the continental trade arrangement for Nigerian businesses.

He challenged freight forwarders and clearing agents to consider how their businesses would be affected if importers increasingly sourced goods from other African economies instead of importing directly from overseas markets.

“Will you still remain in business if importation is done through our African brother’s economy, where duty will not be paid for goods imported?” he asked.

Nnadi disclosed that discussions had been held with the Anambra State Government on the need to prepare traders for the emerging trade environment, particularly because of the state’s significant participation in import and trading activities.

He said the objective was to encourage traders to move away from importing finished products towards importing raw materials, assembling and manufacturing goods locally, and exporting them to other African markets.

According to him, the proposed transition should be treated as a strategic priority over the next five years to enable Nigerian businesses to take advantage of opportunities under AfCFTA.

The retired Customs Chief maintained that Nigeria had the potential to become a manufacturing and export hub rather than remain predominantly an import-dependent economy.

He also stressed the importance of maximising the country’s waterways and other trade infrastructure to support the development of regional commerce.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s trade facilitation reforms, Nnadi commended the Federal Government for sustaining initiatives aimed at improving the country’s trading environment.

He identified the ratification of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, the establishment of the Port Community System and the ongoing development of the National Single Window as important steps towards improving trade efficiency.

Nnadi recalled his involvement in earlier efforts to advance trade facilitation in Nigeria, noting that several stakeholders at the event had contributed to the reforms over the years.

He acknowledged the contributions of industry stakeholders, including the National Single Window Secretariat, and expressed optimism that the ongoing initiatives would produce further improvements.

Although he admitted that Nigeria had yet to achieve its desired level of trade facilitation, he said the country was making steady progress.

“We’ve not gotten to where we want to be, but the fact remains that we are making steady progress,” he said.

Nnadi also congratulated Primetime Reporters for sustaining its annual maritime lecture and awards programme, noting that he had previously participated in an edition of the event at the same venue.

The former Customs Chief further called on maritime stakeholders to pay greater attention to environmental emissions and the transition to green energy.

He described environmental sustainability as an increasingly important issue in global maritime trade, urging industry practitioners to incorporate it into their discussions and operational priorities.

According to him, environmental considerations would become increasingly significant in the management of Nigeria’s maritime sector, including activities at the country’s entry and exit points.

His remarks aligned with the theme of the conference, which focused on smarter gateways and greener logistics through the Port Community System and the National Single Window.

Nnadi, who retired from the Nigeria Customs Service after 35 years of service, said he now preferred to identify himself as a trade, maritime and customs consultant.

He disclosed that he consults for Port Protocols Nigeria Limited and remains committed to contributing to the development of Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

He also commended the keynote speaker, Dr. Charles Okorefe, Managing Director of Kamany Marine Services Limited, describing him as a long-standing associate and recommending his book, A Piece of Shipping, to participants.

The former Customs Chief congratulated the award recipients and praised Primetime Reporters for recognising individuals and organisations contributing to the maritime industry.

In a humorous observation, he remarked that the organisers had brought together investigators and some of those investigated to receive awards, drawing laughter from the audience.

Nnadi’s remarks reinforced the need for Nigerian businesses to anticipate the effects of continental trade integration, strengthen domestic production and embrace environmentally sustainable practices to remain competitive.

Nnadi was later honoured at the event with the Lifetime Achievement Award In Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation by Primetime Reporters in recognition of his exceptional contributions to maritime, trade facilitation and customs administration.

The fifth annual lecture and awards ceremony brought together maritime regulators, government representatives, industry operators and other stakeholders to discuss trade facilitation, port efficiency and the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Photo Caption 1: DCG Dera Nnadi RTD making his presentation at Primetime Reporters’ Annual Lecture and Awards held in Lagos Thursday.

Photo Caption 2: Dr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre (right) presenting the award to DCG Dera Nnadi RTD at the event on Thursday.

Photo Caption 3. Dr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre decorating Nnadi with the medal of honour at the event.

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