President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the $3.1 billion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Customs Modernisation Project, describing it as a transformative initiative capable of accelerating economic growth and trade across Africa.
Tinubu gave the endorsement during a meeting with Saleh Ahmadu, a trade, revenue and security strategist whose company, Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, secured a 20-year concession agreement with the AfCFTA Secretariat to implement the project.
The agreement, executed in partnership with AfriTrade CMP Limited, covers all 55 AfCFTA member states and is designed to modernise customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation across the continent.
Project targets customs efficiency
According to a statement by the company, Tinubu commended Ahmadu for designing and leading the concession, stressing that efficient customs systems are critical to the success of AfCFTA and Africa’s broader economic integration agenda.
The President said the project could boost economic growth by improving the movement of goods and facilitating cross-border trade among African countries.
Tinubu also commended Ahmadu and Bergmans for their contributions to Nigeria’s trade and revenue ecosystem, particularly in trade facilitation, border security and revenue protection.
Expansion from Nigeria to Africa
The $3.1 billion concession is expected to build on Bergmans’ experience in customs modernisation in Nigeria, including its involvement in the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project.
Its expansion across the continent is expected to make customs modernisation a key component of efforts to improve the movement of goods, facilitate cross-border commerce and strengthen intra-African trade.
The 20-year concession, covering all 55 member states, is also expected to support improved revenue administration and more efficient customs systems across Africa.
AfCFTA’s continental trade agenda
The AfCFTA is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and was established to accelerate intra-African trade, strengthen Africa’s position in global markets and provide a common framework for trade negotiations.
The agreement emerged from a decision adopted by African leaders at the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January 2012.
READ ALSO:
- Tinubu Berates Atiku Over Proposed Petrol Subsidy Return
- Tinubu To Adeleke: ‘You Won, But Did Not Conquer Anyone’
- Tinubu Approves N438bn Road Projects, Trailer Park Concession Across 7 States
- Africa’s Future Lies in Digital Trade, AfCFTA Sec. Gen.
Ahmadu has about four decades of experience spanning security consultancy and systems acquisition across aviation, national security, cybersecurity and intelligence.
Beyond security consultancy, he has established businesses across several sectors, contributing to employment generation and economic activity in Nigeria.
The continental customs modernisation project is therefore being positioned as a major step towards creating more efficient borders, strengthening trade facilitation and unlocking the economic potential of the AfCFTA.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.