By: Joy Enamuna

The Vice President of Air and Logistics for the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Segun Musa, has expressed concerns about Nigeria’s readiness to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Musa warns that the country’s current infrastructural and production limitations could reduce it to a dumping ground for goods from other African nations.

In a recent interview, Musa described AfCFTA as a transformative opportunity for Nigeria’s economy but cautioned that the nation lacks the capacity to contribute effectively. “We have embraced AfCFTA to liberalize trade across Africa, but Nigeria has little to showcase. We are likely to end up as a dumping ground because we have nothing substantial to exchange in return,” he stated.

Musa emphasized the importance of robust production systems to thrive in AfCFTA’s competitive environment. He pointed out critical gaps, including unreliable energy supply, outdated technology, weak infrastructure, and security challenges, all of which hinder Nigeria’s potential to compete effectively. “Without addressing these challenges, our participation will only amount to heavy importation from other African countries,” he added.

The NAGAFF executive called for urgent government intervention to bolster local production. He advocated for identifying and supporting entrepreneurs, providing financial assistance, and ensuring Nigerian products meet international quality standards. Musa also highlighted the role of regulatory agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in standardizing local products for both domestic and export markets.

Musa criticized the current approach to AfCFTA implementation in Nigeria, describing it as overly theoretical and lacking actionable outcomes. “Government efforts have been limited to talk shows and paperwork. Practical steps, including engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue, are urgently needed,” he remarked.

He also called out committees overseeing AfCFTA implementation for missing opportunities to involve key stakeholders. “So far, their approach lacks seriousness and focus. We need to move beyond theoretical discussions to concrete action plans that include all relevant players,” he emphasized.

Despite these challenges, Musa expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to benefit from AfCFTA if significant reforms are undertaken. He urged the government to prioritize local content development, strengthen export capabilities, and create a comprehensive trade strategy. “AfCFTA offers a continuous market, and it’s not too late for Nigeria to harness its benefits. But this will only happen if the government commits to ensuring Nigeria has tangible offerings,” he concluded.

The AfCFTA agreement, which came into effect in 2021, aims to create a unified market for goods and services across Africa, promoting intra-continental trade and economic integration. However, Nigeria’s ability to leverage this initiative remains uncertain without substantial policy changes and infrastructural upgrades.