Nigeria Risks Becoming Dumping Ground Under AfCFTA – Segun Musa
*****Nigeria Has Little to Offer – Musa
The Vice President of Air and Logistics at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Segun Musa, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s preparedness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing infrastructural gaps and low production capacity.
In an interview, Musa expressed fears that Nigeria might become a dumping ground for goods from other African nations due to its limited trade contributions.
“AfCFTA is a great opportunity to boost our economy, but sadly, Nigeria has nothing to showcase. We risk becoming a dumping ground because we have no competitive goods to exchange,” Musa said.
He stressed that sustainable production is vital for Nigeria to benefit from the trade agreement. “Without stable energy, advanced technology, reliable infrastructure, and adequate security, our participation will remain limited to importing goods,” he warned.
Musa criticized the AfCFTA implementation process in Nigeria, describing it as overly theoretical. “Most of the discussions around AfCFTA are just talk shows and paper presentations. The government needs to prioritize practical engagement and strategies,” he stated.
He urged the government to focus on boosting local production, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring products meet certification standards for both local and international markets. “Regulatory bodies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) must actively promote standardization and help local manufacturers compete effectively,” he added.
Musa lamented the lack of stakeholder involvement in AfCFTA implementation. “The committees overseeing this agreement have failed to engage relevant stakeholders effectively. We need actionable plans that include all sectors,” he emphasized.
Despite these challenges, Musa remains optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects under AfCFTA if the government takes immediate steps to address structural issues. “It’s not too late for Nigeria to harness the benefits of AfCFTA. However, this requires genuine commitment to developing local content, capacity building, and export readiness,” he concluded.
The AfCFTA, which commenced in 2021, aims to create a unified market across Africa, promoting intra-continental trade and economic integration. However, without significant reforms, Nigeria’s ability to fully leverage this ambitious project remains uncertain.
