Tinubu Backs Massive $3.1bn Tech Project to Modernize Borders Using Nigerian Blueprint

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his full support behind a massive $3.1 billion customs modernisation project under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the initiative as a major turning point for business and economic growth across Africa.

The endorsement followed a meeting with trade and security strategist Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, whose indigenous company, Bergmans Security Consultants and Supplies Limited, secured a 20-year concession deal with the AfCFTA Secretariat. Operating through its subsidiary AfriTrade CMP Limited, the firm will lead the digital transformation of customs operations across 55 member states of the continental trade bloc.

Commending the Nigerian-led effort, President Tinubu noted that efficient customs systems are critical to making free trade a reality for Africa’s 1.3 billion population. The President highlighted that exporting Nigeria’s proven Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework validates the country’s capacity to build scalable tech solutions for the entire continent.

The project builds directly on the success of Nigeria’s own customs overhaul, deploying automated tracking systems, digital cargo inspection, and unified online portals to eliminate long delays at land and sea borders. Connecting border agencies digitally will cut the cost of doing business, boost revenue collection, and allow goods to move seamlessly from one African nation to another.