Top 5 Challenges Nigerian Traders Face at Borders – And Solutions - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

For many Nigerian traders, crossing borders into neighbouring West African countries is a daily reality. From Seme in Lagos to Illela in Sokoto, these border routes serve as lifelines for thousands of businesses. Yet, while ECOWAS protocols promise free movement of goods and services, the reality on the ground is far more complicated. Traders often face bottlenecks that increase costs, delay deliveries, and reduce profits.

Here are the top five challenges Nigerian traders face at borders, and practical solutions to address them.

1. Multiple Customs Checks and Bureaucracy

The Challenge:
Despite ECOWAS’ trade agreements, traders still encounter multiple checkpoints manned by customs, immigration, and sometimes security agencies. Each stop often demands separate documentation and, in many cases, unofficial payments. This slows down trade and increases costs.

The Solution:

• Single Window Customs System: Nigeria and other ECOWAS states must harmonise customs processes into a central platform that reduces duplication.

• Trader Education: NANTS is committed to training members on required documents to avoid exploitation.

• Advocacy: Continued dialogue with customs authorities to implement the ECOWAS “free movement” protocol effectively.

2. Poor Infrastructure and Delays

The Challenge:
Border facilities are often inadequate. Roads leading to borders are riddled with potholes, parking spaces for trucks are insufficient, and basic services like electricity, water, and warehousing are absent. This leads to long delays that can spoil perishable goods.

The Solution:

• Investment in Border Infrastructure: Governments must prioritise upgrading roads, warehouses, and cargo handling facilities.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Private investors, working with trade associations like NANTS, can support logistics solutions such as cold storage and bonded warehouses.

• Trader Cooperatives: Traders pooling resources to improve storage while waiting for clearance.

3. Harassment and Extortion

The Challenge:
Traders, especially women, frequently report harassment by security operatives at border points. Demands for bribes, intimidation, and unnecessary questioning discourage many from engaging in formal cross-border trade.

The Solution:

• Trader Identification Cards: A standardized ID system for registered NANTS members can reduce harassment and make verification faster.

• Hotline for Complaints: Setting up a border monitoring desk where traders can report extortion in real time.

• Awareness Campaigns: Educating security operatives about ECOWAS trade rights and the importance of respecting traders.

4. Currency Exchange Problems

The Challenge:
With multiple currencies in the region (naira, cedis, CFA franc, leone, dalasi), traders constantly face conversion losses and exchange rate risks. The unstable naira makes it harder for Nigerian goods to stay competitive.

The Solution:

• Regional Payment Systems: Adoption of platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) for instant cross-border transactions.

• Trader Education on FX Management: Workshops to help traders plan around currency fluctuations.

• Policy Push: NANTS pushing for ECOWAS-wide payment harmonisation.

5. Lack of Information and Awareness

The Challenge:
Many traders don’t know about ECOWAS trade rules, duty exemptions, or documentation requirements. This lack of awareness makes them easy targets for exploitation.

The Solution:

• Trader Training Programs: NANTS will roll out regular sensitisation workshops on border trade regulations.

• Digital Information Platforms: Creating a NANTS online hub where traders can check required documents, tariffs, and border alerts.

• Market-to-Market Outreach: Engaging directly with traders in local markets to spread accurate information.

Conclusion

Nigerian traders are the heartbeat of regional commerce, yet the challenges they face at borders continue to limit growth and integration. While governments have a role in reforming policies and infrastructure, trader associations like NANTS must continue to push for accountability, fairness, and education.

At NANTS, we believe that every trader deserves the right to trade freely, safely, and profitably across West Africa. By addressing these five challenges with practical solutions, we can turn border trade from a struggle into an opportunity.