Tinubu congratulates Saleh Ahmadu, Bergmans, on $3.1bn AfCFTA customs deal

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, on the execution of a landmark 20-year concession agreement with the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the implementation of the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project.

The $3.1 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement, signed by AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene and Saleh Ahmadu, will be implemented through Bergmans’ subsidiary, AfriTrade CMP Limited.

The project will deploy unified digital customs platforms, electronic cargo-tracking systems, non-intrusive inspection technology and integrated data infrastructure across participating African countries to improve efficiency and facilitate intra-African trade.

President Tinubu commended Mr Ahmadu and Bergmans for demonstrating that Nigerian companies can develop and deliver solutions of continental significance.

ALSO READ: ANALYSIS: Why AfCFTA can’t simply plug the US trade gap

The President said the agreement represents a major milestone for Nigeria and a strong endorsement of indigenous expertise, particularly as Africa advances efforts to establish a more integrated and efficient single market.

The 20-year concession is expected to strengthen customs cooperation, enhance cargo visibility, reduce border delays and support the implementation of the AfCFTA’s trade facilitation objectives across the continent.