Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to position the country for greater participation in continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with the launch of a three-day capacity-building programme focused on Rules of Origin.
The training, which commenced on March 31 and is scheduled to conclude on April 2, 2026, is designed to equip key stakeholders with the technical expertise required to navigate the complexities of intra-African trade and ensure Nigeria maximises the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA framework.
Declaring the programme open, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative to both trade facilitation and regulatory enforcement.
He described Rules of Origin as a cornerstone of economic integration across Africa, noting that their proper interpretation and implementation are essential for ensuring transparency, eligibility for trade preferences, and enhanced competitiveness among member states.
According to him, the training programme has been carefully structured to deliver both theoretical and practical insights, covering planning, execution, and evaluation processes necessary for effective nationwide implementation of AfCFTA protocols.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA in Nigeria, Olusegun Olutayo, described the initiative as a significant shift from policy formulation to actionable implementation.
He stressed that the success of the agreement lies in its ability to translate into tangible economic outcomes, including job creation, increased income, and expanded business opportunities for Nigerians.
Olutayo further highlighted the urgent need to deepen awareness and provide businesses with hands-on knowledge of trade procedures, particularly the Rules of Origin, to enable them to compete effectively across African markets.
He also expressed gratitude to the Presidency, acknowledging the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising economic growth and regional trade integration. Additionally, he commended development partners such as the World Customs Organization and the European Union for their continued support in providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
Participants at the workshop were urged to approach the training with seriousness and commitment, ensuring that the knowledge acquired is effectively disseminated and applied across their respective sectors. The organisers emphasised that increased awareness and understanding are critical to preventing Nigerian businesses from being excluded from AfCFTA opportunities due to knowledge gaps.
The programme is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s preparedness to leverage the full benefits of the AfCFTA, while strengthening its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of continental trade.
