By Dele Ogbodo
In an unprecedented move, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has taken a significant step towards strengthening its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Reaffirming it’s commitment, the federal government through Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment inaugurated the Central Coordination Committee (CCC).
Spearheaded by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the CCC aims to oversee and streamline Nigeria’s implementation of AfCFTA protocols, ensuring a unified and strategic approach.
At the inaugural meeting of the CCC held in Abuja, the Minister who chairs the committee, emphasized the transformative potential of AfCFTA to create a single continental market for goods and services, facilitating trade and investment across Africa.
Highlighting its significance, the Minister underscored that AfCFTA is one of the most transformative trade and economic initiatives in Africa’s history. It represents a bold vision of integration, prosperity, and inclusive growth for our continent, with a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.4 trillion.
Oduwole, acknowledged the President’s leadership in prioritizing the execution of the agreement, underscoring its strategic importance for Nigeria’s economic growth and regional trade integration.
She outlined the CCC’s pivotal role in aligning the efforts of ministries, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s implementation activities.
“We want to harmonize our efforts so we think from the same angle and speak with one voice,” the Minister explained. “The CCC will serve as a central platform to unify Nigeria’s representation, strengthen coordination across agencies, and ensure a clear process for escalation to the President when necessary.”
The Minister highlighted the inclusive and structured nature of the agreement, designed around multiple protocols encompassing trade, investment, competition policy, digital trade, and the empowerment of women and youth in trade.
She emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving trade and economic growth, pledging active engagement with businesses to maximize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, while commending government’s efforts, said it is both a privilege and a significant moment to be part of a coordinated effort that will position Nigeria as a leader in intra-African trade.
Oye, stated: “We promise to work as a team to deliver on our mandate.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry expressed gratitude to Oduwole for her leadership, urging committee members to approach their tasks with diligence and determination.
The Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Ms. Nonye Ayeni, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes, stating, “With focus, dedication, and collaboration, we will ensure Nigeria fully leverages AfCFTA’s transformative potential.”
The 17-member committee, which includes representatives from both the public and private sectors, has been tasked with developing a clear roadmap for the holistic domestication of AfCFTA protocols, embedding them into Nigeria’s national frameworks. With this renewed commitment, Nigeria is poised to lead Africa’s integration efforts, creating meaningful economic opportunities for its people and the continent at large.
