FG sensitises North-East businesses on ECOWAS, AfCFTA trade opportunities
The Federal Government has initiated a sensitization program aimed at helping Nigerian businesses tap into trade opportunities under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Implementation of the program began with a workshop held in Bauchi, targeting business owners, entrepreneurs, and chambers of commerce from the North-East region.
During the workshop, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, emphasized that the initiative seeks to bring the advantages of Nigeria’s foreign policy closer to its citizens, especially grassroots businesses and entrepreneurs.
The workshop, titled “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS),” aligns with the government’s 4D foreign policy agenda that centers on enhancing the role of Nigerians in international relations.
Enikanolaiye noted that the program is designed to educate Nigerian businesses about the opportunities presented by both ECOWAS and AfCFTA. “We are committed to taking this initiative to all six geopolitical zones, starting with the North-East, with a focus on boosting production, adding value to local products, and creating jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s youth,” he stated.
Addressing the state of Nigeria’s economy, the minister highlighted reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that have contributed to greater economic stability and a gradual decline in inflation. He also pointed out that the nation’s foreign reserves are nearing $40 billion.
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, underscored the state government’s support for the ETLS program. He remarked that Bauchi is prepared to utilize the scheme to foster economic diversification and development in the private sector, acknowledging that “government alone cannot create sustainable prosperity.”
Mohammed stressed the importance of supporting the private sector in production, investment, and innovation to generate jobs and expand economic opportunities. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for bringing the sensitization program to the North-East, which he believes will enhance trade connections among various stakeholders.
Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, President of the Bauchi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture (BASCIMA), indicated the chamber’s willingness to engage with the scheme. However, he pointed out ongoing challenges faced by businesses, including border delays, multiple checkpoints, unofficial charges, inconsistent customs interpretations, and complications with trade documentation.
Danmaliki noted, “Many small and medium-sized enterprises are unaware of the scheme’s existence or how to benefit from it.” He called for a simplification and full digitalization of the ETLS process, proposing a single platform for application tracking and certificate verification.
Additionally, he urged ECOWAS to create a rapid-response system for reporting unlawful detention of approved goods and called for sufficient funding for the initiative. Danmaliki also recommended establishing a permanent ETLS Help Desk in the North-East through chambers of commerce in the six states to assist businesses in accessing the scheme.
