The leadership of Nigeria’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has pledged to maintain momentum on ongoing programmes, even as the country grieves the sudden death of its National Coordinator, Mr Olusegun Awolowo.
Mr. Awolowo’s passing has triggered sorrow across the continent’s trading community; yet key officials insist that his death will not stall implementation of Nigeria’s continental trade agenda.
Speaking in his official capacity, Olutayo, the Senior Trade Policy & Law Expert / Lead, Trade Enablement at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office acknowledged the shock and mourning, but underscored that his office remains committed to continuity. “We are finger‑crossed that this will not affect ongoing programmes. Right now, the focus is on honouring his memory with elegance, dignity, and integrity; values he stood for throughout his career,” Olutayo said.
Plans for Awolowo’s burial have been set for Lagos next week, where family, friends, and stakeholders are expected to pay their last respects.
Meanwhile, trade initiatives under AfCFTA — including ongoing preparatory work on trade facilitation, rules of origin, digital‑trade protocols and continental shipments continue under the supervision of the Coordination Office, with Olutayo playing a leading role in implementation efforts.
Observers emphasize that the continuity promise is critical at this stage, given that Nigeria recently flagged off its first official shipment under AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) a milestone described as a “historic moment” for intra‑African trade.
