An industry expert has declared that the future success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in West Africa depends entirely on creating a smooth and effective cross-border transportation network. Luqman Mamudu, a former acting Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), made this crucial statement in an interview on 5 December 2025.
Opportunities and Chronic Challenges on Key Trade Routes
Mamudu, who is also the Managing Partner at Transtech Industrial Consulting Nigeria, explained that efficient transport is the backbone of AfCFTA goals. It is essential for boosting trade within Africa, increasing industrial production, and strengthening economic ties among ECOWAS member states.
He used the busy Lagos–Abidjan corridor as a prime example. A streamlined system would allow agricultural products, consumer goods, and manufactured items to move freely across the region. This would let countries, particularly Nigeria, utilize their idle factory capacity to produce and export large volumes of goods, creating jobs and diversifying economies.
However, Mamudu issued a strong warning. He said West Africa's cross-border transport environment is currently full of problems that hurt the AfCFTA plan. These issues include:
- Multiple roadside checks by different agencies.
- Long, unnecessary delays at border crossings.
- Rules that are applied differently from one checkpoint to another.
- Widespread informal charges and extortion that increase costs for traders.
Blueprint for a Functional Border System
To solve these problems and unlock AfCFTA's full benefits, Mamudu proposed a complete overhaul of how borders are managed in the region. His key recommendations focus on technology, process, and infrastructure.
He strongly advocated for a single window digital platform. This system would combine customs and immigration checks into one process, cutting paperwork and reducing face-to-face interactions that can lead to corruption. This would speed up trade and build trust among businesses.
Mamudu also pushed for the implementation of one-stop border posts. At these posts, officials from both sides of the border would work in the same location. Travelers and traders would clear all procedures once, instead of stopping twice. "This will eliminate illegal checkpoints," he stated, arguing it would reduce corruption and make corridors like Lagos-Abidjan much more efficient.
Focus on Existing Infrastructure and Security
On the issue of roads, Mamudu noted that building entirely new highways is not the immediate need. Instead, he called for the urgent repair and consistent maintenance of existing regional routes. Better roads would cut travel time and lower vehicle operating costs.
He further recommended that ECOWAS should deploy real-time electronic systems to track cargo. This would improve security, bring transparency, and make shipping more predictable along major trade corridors.
Mamudu concluded that only through these coordinated reforms in policy, infrastructure, and technology can West Africa build a cross-border transport system that actually works. He expressed doubt that existing ECOWAS protocols on free movement have been vigorously enforced, underscoring the need for decisive action.
