The Federal Government has intensified efforts to ensure that Nigeria fully harnesses the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a renewed focus on building the technical capacity of trade agencies and private-sector operators to effectively implement the agreement and position the country as a leading player in intra-African commerce.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Olusegun Awolowo, said the government has stepped up implementation through an advanced training initiative on the Rules of Origin (RoO), a vital component that determines goods’ eligibility for preferential treatment under AfCFTA.
Awolowo explained that the initiative is part of a strategic partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme and is being facilitated by the Nigeria Customs Service. He noted that the training reflects a determination to make AfCFTA work for Nigerian manufacturers, exporters and service providers.
Awolowo maintained that effective implementation of AfCFTA could increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by as much as 40 per cent by 2030 if the right structures and human capacity are developed.
“We are driving AfCFTA implementation through targeted capacity building for businesses and developing a new cadre of experts who understand the practical application of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin. This initiative forms part of a nationwide intervention aimed at demystifying AfCFTA instruments for local enterprises and ensuring that our private-sector players compete effectively within Africa’s single market,” he said.
He added that the programme aimed to empower Nigerian enterprises to master product-specific rules, enhance compliance with trade requirements and gain greater access to markets across the continent.
Awolowo stressed that without building local expertise, other African countries would benefit more from AfCFTA than Nigeria. He added that the coordination office is working closely with Customs and the private sector to ensure local businesses are not left behind as Africa moves toward a borderless trade environment.
Also speaking, a representative of the WCO, Faith Mathenge, highlighted the importance of human capital development in unlocking AfCFTA’s full potential. She said the WCO and the European Union are providing technical assistance and continuous training to bridge knowledge gaps in RoO and customs procedures.
Mathenge noted that the EU-WCO Programme aimed to enhance the capacity of customs administrations and private operators to implement AfCFTA efficiently and Nigeria’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to regional trade integration and competitiveness.
“We will continue to provide technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and institutional support to ensure that Nigeria maximises AfCFTA’s immense opportunities,” she said.
Trade expert, Olusegun Olutayo, reaffirmed that a deeper understanding of RoO would help local industries reduce dependence on imports, expand production and compete favourably in the continental market. He emphasised that Nigeria’s vast population and industrial potential give it a natural advantage in AfCFTA, provided its human and institutional capacities are well developed.
