Nigeria properly positioned as W’African commerce hub – LASG

The Lagos State Authorities has stated that with the introduction of the Authorised Financial Operator by the Nigeria Customs Service, the nation has been properly positioned because the West African commerce hub.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this over the weekend through the official launch of the AEO programme in Lagos.

Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Commerce, and Funding, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, Sanwo-Olu defined that by making a extra predictable, environment friendly, and safe buying and selling surroundings, this programme will entice each native and overseas buyers, driving financial diversification and sustainable progress.

“As we combine into the worldwide commerce ecosystem, the AEO programme stands as a pivotal initiative that won’t solely enhance our nationwide income but in addition solidify Nigeria’s place as the popular commerce hub in West Africa,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He stated that the state, being Nigeria’s business and maritime heartbeat, is totally dedicated to the profitable implementation of the AEO programme.

Sanwo-Olu stated the programme marks a pivotal second within the collective pursuit of an environment friendly, clear, and safe commerce surroundings.

“The AEO programme is nothing wanting a game-changer for commerce and safety.

It’s a globally recognised framework that strengthens partnerships between customs authorities and companies dedicated to compliance, safety, and greatest practices in provide chain administration,” Sanwo-Olu said.

In keeping with him, the state has made vital contributions to this initiative by means of infrastructure growth, coverage assist, enhanced safety and commerce facilitation, “digitalisation and good commerce initiatives, funding in logistics and export promotion, and by facilitating entry to international markets.”

Sanwo-Olu added that these efforts underscore the state’s dedication to fostering a thriving commerce ecosystem.

“Lagos State simply this week held the Lagos State Industrial Coverage (2025-2030) Consultative Meeting and Validation Workshop. The LSIP focuses on export competitiveness, infrastructure growth, ease of doing enterprise, sustainability, and inclusivity,” he stated.

He emphasised that by granting AEO accreditation to companies that meet these excessive requirements, the nation isn’t solely enhancing safety but in addition streamlining commerce operations.

The governor stated that it means quicker cargo clearance, fewer commerce obstacles, and a extra seamless enterprise surroundings.

“For Nigeria, this programme represents a major step ahead. It’s going to cut back bottlenecks, enhance effectivity, and make doing enterprise simpler and extra engaging. The AEO programme is a testomony to what we are able to obtain after we work collectively constructing belief, fostering progress, and making a brighter future for commerce in our nation,” he stated.

He urged all of the stakeholders to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly, including that the advantages embrace quicker customs clearance, lowered operational prices, precedence therapy, and elevated international recognition.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the state authorities stays steadfast of their dedication to offering the mandatory assist and infrastructure for the seamless implementation of the AEO programme.

He guarantees to work with all related stakeholders to create a conducive surroundings for commerce and funding, stressing that the state believes that financial prosperity is greatest achieved by means of sturdy partnerships between the private and non-private sectors.