CISLAC Advocates Policies to Boost Cross-Border Trade Between Nigeria And Neighbouring Countries
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a non-governmental group, is urging for policy dialogue and advocacy initiatives to enhance cross-border trading between Nigeria and its neighboring countries.
The group’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Raphsanjani, represented by Mr. Ayo Omowu at a two-day stakeholders’ policy dialogue event held recently at the Transcorps Hotel, Jade Hall, Calabar, emphasized the importance of promoting trade relations for mutual benefit.
CISLAC has been actively collaborating with Oxfam in Nigeria to drive various capacity building programs and initiatives. The organization focuses on areas such as Fair Tax justice campaign, resilience and Climate change Adaptation Programme, Public Financing for Agriculture, Intra-Africa & Global Trade Facilitation, and empowerment of traders, particularly women in the informal sector.
Through these efforts, CISLAC aims to empower smallholder women farmers, youth groups, and community-based individuals, enabling them to advocate for equity and engage with stakeholders to address their needs.
By advocating for policy dialogue and supporting various programs, CISLAC seeks to create an enabling environment for cross-border trading in Nigeria and foster stronger trade relations with neighboring countries.
CISLAC, in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, has been actively engaged in capacity building programs focused on Fair Tax justice campaign, resilience and Climate change Adaptation Programme, Public Financing for Agriculture, Intra-Africa & Global Trade Facilitation, and empowerment of traders, especially women in the informal sector.
The organization’s efforts aim to empower smallholder women farmers, youth groups, and community-based individuals in advocating for equity and engaging with stakeholders to address their needs.
Since its incorporation in 2006, CISLAC has been involved in legislative advocacy work, complying with the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2017 by reporting transactions above a certain threshold.
Through collaborations with Oxfam, CISLAC has advocated for fiscal and trade reforms to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The organization’s efforts aim to empower smallholder women farmers, youth groups, and community-based individuals in advocating for equity and engaging with stakeholders to address their needs.
Since its incorporation in 2006, CISLAC has been involved in legislative advocacy work, complying with the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2017 by reporting transactions above a certain threshold.
Through collaborations with Oxfam, CISLAC has advocated for fiscal and trade reforms to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Working closely with the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (CALCCIMA), CISLAC has supported the advancement of trade, tax, and investment policy reforms in Cross Rivers State.
These initiatives have led to the revision of tax rates for MSMEs in the state and the development of a cross-border trade ecosystem to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers.
Recently, with the enactment of the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022, CALCCIMA has taken steps towards domesticating the act in Cross Rivers State and establishing public-private partnerships to enhance cross-border trade in the region.
These efforts aim to boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and promote stability for local producers and communities.
In collaboration with the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, CISLAC conducted a two-day policy dialogue session with relevant stakeholders to address challenges hindering intra-Africa trade and develop policies to improve the business environment at ports and borders in Cross Rivers State.
The primary objectives of these engagements are to familiarize stakeholders with the benefits of adopting the Business Facilitation Act, secure commitments towards its implementation, and lay out a framework for enhancing cross-border trading in Cross Rivers State.
The expected outcomes include stakeholders’ understanding of the Act’s benefits, commitment to its adoption, and the identification of requirements for its effective implementation in the state.
Through these strategic initiatives and partnerships, CISLAC and its collaborators aim to create a conducive environment for cross-border trading, drive economic growth, and empower local communities in Nigeria.
