Nigeria, Niger Republic launch new trade corridor in Sokoto

By Najem Francis, Sokoto

Many years after it was conceived, the Zamfara-Sokoto-Kebbi-Tahoua cross border trade route has finally become a reality with its official launch in Sokoto Tuesday.

Those present at the event, which was held in Sokoto Government House, Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Sokoto and Kebbi states, as well as Abdulrahman Musa of Tahoua region of Niger Republic.

In his remarks, Tambuwal said the launching of the trade corridor was another landmark achievement of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, whose aim was to ensure growth and economic development of the two sister countries.

He said that the initiative would positively address the several obstacles experienced by the cross- border traders such as road harassment, multiple and sometimes illegal check points, unnecessary delays and unlawful charges at the borders.

He said that such illegalities hinder agro- pastoral business in the borders and discourage their collective efforts towards achieving regional economic integration.

Tambuwal therefore enjoined all stakeholders to ensure faithful implementation of the project so as to ensure full realization of its primary objectives which include serving as a catalyst for free flow of goods and boosting trade transactions within the corridor.

He said that Sokoto state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, would establish and upgrade some infrastructures and institutions in the state that would support the corridor.

 

 


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