The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has called on women in business to participate in legitimate cross-border trade without being labeled as smugglers.
The President of BACCIMA, Alhaji Idris Yahaya, gave the advice at the chamber’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held in Badagry.
The event, themed “Accelerate Action”, featured a sub-theme, “Women in Cross-Border Trade”, highlighting the role of women in regional commerce.
Yahaya emphasized that the gathering aimed to empower women traders, helping them navigate trade barriers, understand documentation requirements, and access export markets.
“Nigeria plays a central role in regional trade as host to ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja.
“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) promotes the free movement of people, goods, and services, further reinforced by the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Women traders must not be left behind in these opportunities. This is the future we envision—one where women thrive in cross-border trade without obstacles,” he said.
Yahaya added that BACCIMA is actively working to eliminate unnecessary hindrances that women face at border posts.
The Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by Mrs. A. Ibiloye, commended BACCIMA for celebrating the resilience of women in the non-oil export sector.
She outlined NEPC’s role in promoting export-related industries and highlighted key exportable Nigerian products, including commodities, manufactured goods, solid minerals, arts and crafts, and services.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Seme Command, Mr. Illiaysu Isaac, who represented Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu, assured BACCIMA members of smooth cross-border movement for their businesses.
He stated that the command would facilitate passport issuance at the official rate and ensure cooperation with BACCIMA to ease trade processes.
BACCIMA Women Leader, Mrs. Ngozi Modebelu, emphasized that women play a crucial role in regional and global economies. She called on them to innovate and push boundaries in trade.
Similarly, Mrs. Risikat Padonu-Hassan, Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Badagry Local Government, urged women to support one another and work together for profitability.
In a keynote address, Mrs. Janet Omisore, former Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), encouraged women to take bold, decisive, and meaningful steps in cross-border trade.
She advised women to adhere to international safety measures and quality standards to ensure the success of their businesses.
“This is the time for women to move forward with greater speed and efficiency rather than waiting or procrastinating,” she said.
The event attracted women from various sectors and key stakeholders from the Badagry trade corridor.
(NAN)