Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – June 13, 2024 – The Directorate of Customs Union and Taxation of the ECOWAS Commission convened a crucial meeting from June 10th to 13th, 2024, to review and enhance the implementation of the New ECOWAS Transit Procedure. The gathering in Abuja focused on evaluating the Abidjan roadmap and assessing the deployment of the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) across member states. Key discussions also included the examination of a draft transit manual of procedures.

Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, Director of Customs Union & Taxation of the ECOWAS Commission, welcomed participants on behalf of Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. Tiemtore underscored the significance of the reforms introduced by the Supplementary Act on ECOWAS Community Transit, adopted by the Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2021. These reforms are designed to streamline cross-border movement of goods within the region.

“The deployment of SIGMAT in Member States is a testament to the Authority’s readiness to leverage Information Communication Technology to improve transit operations in the Community,” Tiemtore stated.

Nafi Isiyaku, Comptroller Trade Facilitation, Preferential Trade and AfCFTA of the Nigeria Customs Service and Chairman of the meeting, emphasized the importance of efficient transit procedures in customs operations and trade facilitation. He encouraged delegates to propose actionable recommendations to enhance regional economic integration.

The new ECOWAS transit procedure provides a legal framework for implementing the SIGMAT regional transit solution, replacing the 1982 Convention on the Interstate Road Transit (ISRT) of goods and its manual procedures.

The meeting drew representatives from Customs agencies of member states and relevant ECOWAS Commission Directorates, reflecting a unified commitment to fostering seamless and efficient trade across the region.