Akwa Ibom transport owners’ partners CSO to boost cargo transit in South South region
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) has vowed to partner with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with support from OXFAM in Nigeria to ensure Duty-Free Movement of goods and services as well as harmonize levy system between Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States.
Mr. Anthony Akpan, Public Relations Officer of NATO, Akwa Ibom chapter gave the hint while fielding questions from newsmen at A-2 Day Stake Holders Engagement Workshop with theme: Unlocking Economic Prosperity in the Niger Delta: facilitating trade, agriculture and tax policies held at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State from Wednesday August 20th to 21st 2025.
The event which drew participants from Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States resolved to sign a memorandum of understanding on Duty-Free Movement of Goods and Services between the government of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States to enhance seamless method of doing business in Niger Delta of the South – South region of Nigeria and eliminate illegal levies, reduce bottlenecks and harmonize taxation policies for businesses operating within Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States.
The forum which was graced by the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, represented by Chairman Finance and Appropriation Committee, Hon. Okon Nyong Owuna, Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke, Acting Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama, the Chairman of Internal Revenue Services represented by Dr. Patience Egwu and Directors from Akwa Ibom State among who was Pastor Mfon Udoma, Directors from Rivers State among who was Mr. Patrick Igbo and Mr. Effiong Duke from CISLAC and dignitaries from OXFAM in Nigeria brainstormed on initiative aimed at unlocking Economic Prosperity in the Niger Delta through trade facilitation, agricultural value-chain development and policy engagement for ease of doing business, tax and levies as well as harmonization with leaders of the private sector, transport unions, chambers of commerce and civil society from the pilot states.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
