Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as Africa’s most ambitious economic integration initiative in decades.
Sulaiman spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at a three-day capacity-building programme for legislators, parliamentary officials, and legislative support staff.
The programme, with the theme “The Role of Lawmakers in the National Implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and Its Eight Associated Protocols,” focused on strengthening the effective implementation of AfCFTA in Nigeria.
Sulaiman, who warmly welcomed participants to the workshop, said the event was organised by NILDS in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
He explained that AfCFTA created a single continental market for goods and services, enabling the free movement of businesses and investments across African borders.
According to him, the agreement presents Nigeria with vast opportunities for industrialisation, job creation, expanded markets, and inclusive economic growth.
He noted that parliamentarians played a central role in domesticating international agreements and enacting the laws necessary for effective implementation.
Sulaiman added that the legislature must also exercise oversight of executive actions, approve budgetary allocations, and safeguard Nigeria’s national interests under AfCFTA.
He explained that the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the AfCFTA protocols, as well as Nigeria’s implementation obligations and strategies.
“The programme will strengthen the capacity of legislators and staff to discharge their constitutional responsibilities relating to trade policy and regional integration,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the technical sessions and expert presentations would equip participants with practical knowledge and policy tools.
Sulaiman reaffirmed NILDS’ mandate to provide research support and technical assistance to the National Assembly and state legislatures.
He urged participants to engage actively, share their experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the deliberations throughout the three-day programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the NILDS Governing Council, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for their sustained legislative leadership support.
Also, the guest speaker and coordinator of the Africa Trade Policy Centre (UNECA), Prof. Desta Melaku, said that UNECA played a central role in providing technical support and capacity-building for African nations implementing the agreement.
According to Melaku, UNECA assists with national strategies to enhance regional integration, diversify economies, and boost intra-African trade.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, noted that AfCFTA, encompassing 54 countries and about 1.3 billion people, could become the largest free trade area in the world.
According to her, women are still facing numerous barriers in inter-African trade.
She expressed hope that once AfCFTA was fully operational, it would open up new markets that benefitted women.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, emphasised the importance of strong legislative frameworks in driving Nigeria’s effective participation in AfCFTA.
Enoh stated that the successful implementation of AfCFTA depended fundamentally on robust laws, policy coherence, and informed engagement by lawmakers.
According to him, the National Assembly plays a pivotal role in ensuring Nigeria’s success within the historic continental trade arrangement.
Earlier, Akpabio, while officially opening the event, pledged the National Assembly’s full support for AfCFTA implementation in Nigeria.
Also present at the capacity-building programme were representatives of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as well as chairmen of various NASS committees, among others
