The Federal Government has asked countries in West and Central Africa to work together to ensure the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, advocated for collective action to ensure the success of the AfCFTA during her speech at the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa’s 43rd Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable, which was held in Lagos.
Ajani stressed the necessity of creating a single Africa, saying that cooperation among all participating nations would make this feasible.
“There is definitely a chance for one Africa, and I encourage everyone to take an active role in that endeavour. The only way we can advance as a group is if we cooperate to continue sharing experiences and best practices among ourselves. If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together,” she said.
She urged attendees to translate talks into concrete plans and gave them the assurance that President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria will give the maritime industry top priority.
“The administration will continue to prioritize the development of the maritime sector in the interest of Nigeria’s strategic interests and our common economic goals as a region with similar challenges and aspirations,” she reaffirmed.
The Nigerian Ports Authority’s Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, had earlier stressed the interconnectedness of West and Central African countries.
“Collaboration is an essential prerequisite for the collective growth of our Ports due to our geographical reality of interconnectedness and interdependence,” he stated.
