‘ECOWAS states using NTBS to frustrate trade protocol, integration’

CITING the use of high capital requirements, trade restriction policies, non-citizen identity cards among others, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), and Nigerian traders have noted that desired regional and continental economic integration may not be realised as long as member states use non-tariff barriers (NTBS) to edge out African investors.

According to the OPS, the use of non-tariff barriers in the form of domestic polices continues to limit the desired integration that the African Union (AU) member states seek.

Citing the ongoing challenges Nigerian traders experience in Ghana, stakeholders argued that if the concerns are not addressed, the continent will be playing lip service to the ideals of continental trade, and may have to contend with global forces.

Specifically, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Babatunde Ruwase, while speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on ECOWAS trade in Lagos, yesterday, said the region offers potential market of 386 million people, and such opportunity may not be realised without full market integration.

He noted that the use of domestic policies that negate the spirit of economic integration in the subregion limit bilateral ties among member countries.

“There are numerous institutional and infrastructure problems militating against the lofty objectives of ECOW- AS. We therefore need to tackle the current frustrating barriers to trade in the sub-region.

“The trade treaties are not being fully implemented. Compliance levels are very low, and commitment to the trade protocols is very weak. After 43 years of ECOWAS, we are still grappling with numerous tariff and nontariff barriers to trade,” he added.

On his part, the President, Nigeria Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG), Chukwuemeka Nnaji, said despite the provisions of ECOWAS protocols, Ghana’s use of its GIPC Act 865, section 27 (1a) of 2013, flouts the provisions on rules of engagement.

He noted that while Ghana continues to enjoy the privileges conferred on ECOWAS citizens in other parts of the region, the government and its people continue to prohibit other citizens from doing same in Ghana.

“Despite the discussions between Nigerian and Ghanaian governments at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the ordeal of Nigerian traders in Ghana escalated, as the Ghana Union Traders Association took a different turn by attacking businesses in the Ashanti region.

“Getting a residence permit is more difficult than getting a USA green card; the conditions are enormous. Already, we are advising Nigerian traders to leave Ghana until the challenges are addressed, especially as Ghana Immigration Services are equally cracking down on foreigners, particularly Nigerians,” he added.