Subnational engagement tours and digital trade initiatives set to expand export opportunities for MSMEs, women, and youth.
By Joy Onu, Abuja
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to deepen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation and strengthen its negotiating position ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The announcement came during the 2026 First Quarter Meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) on Wednesday in Abuja. The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the CCC as the “engine driving Nigeria’s AfCFTA agenda” and praised members for their dedication throughout 2025. She highlighted the release of Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation scorecard as a mark of transparency and accountability.
Nigeria has also actively participated in high-level continental consultations in Maputo, Mozambique, where African Trade Ministers met with the WTO Director-General, the AfCFTA Secretary-General, and African Union representatives to align Africa’s position ahead of MC14. Discussions focused on WTO reform, agriculture, digital trade, investment facilitation, and securing permanent African Union representation at the WTO.
“Africa must negotiate from a position of continental consolidation, protecting industrial policy space, digital priorities, and value-chain development,” Dr. Oduwole said.
To coordinate efforts nationwide, Nigeria is employing a whole-of-country, whole-of-economy approach. The strategy involves the private sector, trade associations, customs authorities, standards agencies, and government institutions. Priority areas include e-commerce, investment facilitation, agriculture, and trade reforms to drive economic growth. Nigeria also leads as a Digital Trade Champion under AfCFTA and will host a series of engagements to boost digital trade and export competitiveness.
The Minister announced subnational intervention tours across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones starting in April. The tours aim to engage states and local businesses, identify export-ready products, and broaden access to continental trade opportunities.
“Our productive base must reflect continental ambition,” Dr. Oduwole emphasized, underlining the government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and economic stabilization.
Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Mr. Mohammed Naziru Abbas, called on CCC members to adopt implementation discipline and measurable outcomes. “AfCFTA represents a transformative economic framework capable of driving industrial expansion, export diversification, and inclusive growth,” he said.
Mrs. Patience Okala, Special Adviser to the Minister, reported progress on the “Road to MC14,” subnational tours, and Nigeria’s AfCFTA Week in May 2026. She highlighted simplified AfCFTA guides translated into major local languages and announced the CCC National Action Plan along with a governance subcommittee chaired by Mrs. Chioma Chudi-Anaukwu to strengthen implementation.
The meeting culminated in a renewed commitment to consolidate Nigeria’s AfCFTA gains, enhance institutional coordination, and ensure that regional and global trade platforms deliver tangible economic benefits for Nigerian businesses and citizens.
