Nigeria reaffirms commitment to digital trade protocol

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to digital trade protocol.The endorsement was given at the 15th meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which ended yesterday, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Adebayo Thomas, noted that the endorsement underscored Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure across all state parties, while emphasising the importance of robust personal data protection provisions to foster trust and prevent cyber crimes and fraud.

The statement quoted the Minister of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, who represented the country at the meeting as saying: “Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials. We recognise and underscore the value of leveraging digital infrastructure across State Parties while considering the need for strong provisions on the protection of personal data, to build trust amongst ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes.

“Nigeria acknowledges the significant strides made with the Protocol on Digital Trade, which offers pragmatic rules designed to drive digital transformation across the continent. This protocol is set to bolster the growth and utilisation of African digital platforms and computing facilities by African-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within State Parties.

“The Protocol on Digital Trade has provided strong and pragmatic rules that will not only promote digital transformation on the continent, but also support the growth and use of African digital platforms and computing facilities, within State Parties, by African-owned small and medium enterprises.”