The Federal Government has launched simplified books and toolkits aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), easing trade procedures, and boosting non-oil exports.
The new resources, available in English, Arabic, and Hausa, are designed to promote inclusivity and prepare Nigerian businesses for opportunities in continental trade.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, inaugurated the initiative on Monday in Kano during the North-West Subnational Tour and Public-Private-Press (P3) engagement on AfCFTA implementation.
Oduwole explained that the toolkits are designed to simplify complex trade rules, including rules of origin, customs procedures, standards compliance, and market entry requirements—particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
She emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to make trade more practical and accessible by eliminating cumbersome export procedures.
Oduwole also highlighted that regulatory agencies would be present in Kano to provide essential services, including business registration, product certification, and the issuance of certificates of origin for exporters.
In addition, she announced plans for live export simulations and hands-on training for businesses, along with the introduction of the “One Local Government, One Export Product initiative” to promote grassroots production.
She also noted Nigeria’s recent gains under the AfCFTA, such as the inauguration of an air cargo corridor that reduced freight costs by approximately 75% across selected African routes. Nigerian products, including food items, textiles, and processed goods, are increasingly in demand across African markets, she added.
Just last month, the AfCFTA Secretariat selected Nigeria to be the pilot country for implementing its Simplified Trade Regime (STR) in West Africa.
This framework aims to simplify procedures for small-scale traders involved in cross-border trade, offering easier access to regional markets and facilitating greater economic integration across the continent.
According to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, Nigeria’s role in supporting small-scale traders is critical to advancing intra-African trade and overcoming the challenges posed by complex customs procedures and high transaction costs.
A delegation from the AfCFTA Secretariat, led by Pedro Estevao had visited Nigeria to engage with the NCS and expedite the implementation of STR at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.
Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano described the state as Africa’s historic commercial hub and a natural gateway for continental trade.
Represented by Umar Ibrahim, Secretary to the State Government, Kabir-Yusuf highlighted Kano’s efforts to leverage AfCFTA opportunities through industrialization, logistics expansion, and SME development.
Despite the optimism surrounding AfCFTA, a recent market survey by the Network of Practicing Non-Oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN) revealed that exporter utilization of the agreement remains low, despite Nigeria’s N12.36 trillion non-oil export performance in 2025.
The study, supported by UK International Development, found that while non-oil export values are rising, a significant gap exists between micro-exporters and high-value export performers.
This highlights the need for greater access and support for small-scale exporters to harness the full potential of AfCFTA, as well as the importance of ensuring that the benefits reach a broader spectrum of Nigeria’s business community.
