Boost Trade Through Cultural Diplomacy, Customs Tells Nigeria, Benin Traders

Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, has called on cross border traders in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to apply cultural diplomacy in promoting sustainable economic activities through trade.

Shuaibu made the call while speaking at the fourth edition of the Festival of Arts for Economic Development held at the Idiroko borders in Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.

In an address titled, “Cross-Border Trade: What It Is and Why It Matters”, the Shuaibu emphasised that the one-week event, which facilitated a convergence of key stakeholders from Nigeria and Benin Republic, principally focused on fostering economic growth, cultural exchange and regional cooperation.

Shuaibu, who noted the transformative power of cross-border trade at driving economic prosperity, also emphasised that, “trade not only enhances market expansion but also strengthens relationships between nations, fostering peace and mutual understanding.”

He urged participants, including students of higher institutions of learning, their lecturers, as well as secondary school students to leverage the festival as a means of promoting sustainable economic activities through trade and cultural diplomacy.

In his keynote address, the executive producer of the festival, Bonny Abisogun Botoku described cross-border trade as the lifeblood of regional economies, generating employment, increasing revenue and enhancing market access for businesses.

Botoku also commended the area controller for his unwavering commitment to strengthening trade facilitation and economic development through the arts.

In his presentation at the event, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Clement Amaweh, who provided insights into the history, benefits and challenges of cross-border trade, stressed the need for policy harmonisation, technological integration and improved border security to address the persistent challenges of informal trade, revenue loss and illegal migration.