ZAINAB JUNAID
The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, highlighted the requirements needed to enjoy the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) benefits, cautioning against non promising export commodities.
While delivering a lecture at the Chambers of Commerce on the topic: “Products that can be Imported or Exported from Nigeria: AfCFTA, Rules of Origin and the Drive for Value Addition”, Comptroller Aliyu explained that AfCFTA aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, providing Nigerian exporters access to a market of over 1.3 billion consumers with a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion. But, only goods that meet the Rules of Origin criteria, which are wholly obtained or substantially transformed in Nigeria, can enjoy AfCFTA benefits.
In a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola on Wednesday, 22 October 25, the Area Controller stressed that not all goods are eligible for export, citing Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff (CET), which prohibits the export of items such as maize, unprocessed rubber latex, raw hides and skins, rough or sawn timber, scrap metals, artifacts and antiquities, and endangered wildlife species or their product.
To him, crude oil and natural gas are dominant export commodities but the government’s diversification efforts have led to significant growth in non-oil exports such as cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, ginger, palm oil, rubber, and hibiscus flowers.
He also mentioned solid minerals like limestone, lead, zinc, and tin, as well as processed foods, textiles, and leather products, as promising export commodities.
Speaking on Nigeria’s trade potentials, the Area Controller emphasised that Nigeria occupies a strategic position in global trade, being richly endowed with vast natural resources and a growing industrial base.
He said the country’s import and export activities reflect its economic strength and developmental goals.
He further highlighted the pivotal role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as the driver of trade in Nigeria, tasked with ensuring diversification, efficiency, and the integrity of the supply chain.
Comptroller Aliyu stressed that under the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Service has embarked on a robust modernization programme aimed at achieving end-to-end automation of business processes to enhance transparency and competitiveness.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to promoting legitimate trade, protecting the economy, and supporting government policies geared toward sustainable economic growth through value addition, export expansion, and industrial development.
