In line with this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, themed ”Accelerate Action’, the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has empowered women on cross border trade.
Celebrating the IWD in Badagry, President of the association, DC Idris Yahaya, in his welcome address said the theme of this year’s celebration was not coincidental as it aligns with BACCIMA’s long-standing commitment to formalising small-scale informal cross-border trade.
He disclosed that BACCIMA over the years, had organised workshops and fora to empower women traders, ensuring they operate without unnecessary hindrances at border posts.
These include engaging traders and security agencies in constructive dialogue.
According to him, a major workshop chaired by former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Amb. Kayode Aluko, saw the election of the Customs Area Comptroller as Chairman and the Immigration Comptroller as Vice Chairman, advancing efforts to formalise cross-border trade along this corridor.
Yahaya noted that the Seme-Krake Border Post remains West and Central Africa’s leading trade gateway, strategically located on the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, and connecting Nigeria to Benin, Togo, Ghana, Libya, and even Europe;
He pointed out that the corridor domestically, links Badagry to Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, and beyond.
Continuing, the BACCIMA President emphasised that Nigeria plays a central role in regional trade as host to ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) promoting free movement of people, goods, and services, further reinforced by the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He therefore, stressed that women traders must not be left behind in these opportunities. “They can engage in legitimate cross-border trade without being labelled as smugglers”, he stressed.
“Today’s gathering is about empowering women, helping them navigate trade barriers, understand documentation requirements, and access export markets.
“This is the future we envision; one where women thrive in cross-border trade without obstacles”, Yahaya stated.