BEARS: Bothersome Borders

Despite the efforts of governments across the African continents and sub-regions to create a borderless region with commendable schemes like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) to project West Africa as a Free Trade Area; the truth is that the borders in the region have become extremely bordersome.

Several bottlenecks such as corruption, needless roadblocks and numerous agencies at borders have become a clog at the borders. Too many customs documentation, certifications and all other protocols have also prevented African nations from building a trade relationship with other countries. This unwholesome act therefore needs to be addressed on time. It has led to the coining of the term ‘bothersome borders’ by a participant at the launch of ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme ‘ETLS’ handbook by Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with Borderless Alliance last week.