The National Cross-Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with Customs procedures while urging constructive dialogue to strengthen trade facilitation.
The statement comes in response to remarks by the Commissioner of Customs aired on TV3, alleging that some cross-border women traders engage in under-declaration of goods.
The Association emphasized that small-scale traders fully declare their goods at Customs yards, where officials examine and assess them before release.
The NCBWTA also expressed concern over actions by some Preventive Task Force members who reportedly harass traders even after proper clearance, describing such conduct as unnecessary trade barriers and contrary to WCO and WTO trade facilitation rules.
To address the issue, the Association has given Customs one week to convene a stakeholder meeting to finalise a proposal on sealing trucks en route to market centres, aimed at ensuring transparent, tamper-proof transport of goods.
The NCBWTA highlighted its role in AfCFTA and ECOWAS initiatives to empower women traders and called for renewed cooperation between Customs and trader groups to promote efficient border management, revenue mobilisation, and a vibrant trading environment.
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