Nigeria strengthens continental trade ambitions with customs-led training on AfCFTA framework

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Nigeria’s transition from African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), policy commitments to real economic gains gained fresh momentum as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) kicked off a three-day training programme designed to deepen understanding of Rules of Origin among key stakeholders.

The training, which began on 31 March 2026 and will end on 2 April 2026, aims to equip stakeholders with the technical knowledge needed to enhance Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade.

Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, described the initiative as critical to strengthening both trade facilitation and enforcement.

“The Rules of Origin constitute a very critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation and implementation are fundamental to trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness,” he said.

He noted that the workshop is structured to provide both technical knowledge and practical skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation, to ensure effective nationwide implementation.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a turning point in Nigeria’s transition from policy discussions to full implementation.

“This agreement must not remain at the level of policy; it must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

He emphasised the need to scale awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge, particularly on the Rules of Origin, to enable them to compete effectively across African markets.

The Coordinator also expressed appreciation to the Presidency and acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to economic growth.

He further commended development partners, including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union, for their continued technical and capacity-building support.

Participants were urged to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge gained is effectively applied, so that no Nigerian business is left behind due to a lack of awareness.

The programme is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s readiness to maximise the benefits of AfCFTA and strengthen its competitiveness in continental trade.