The federal government says it is intensifying efforts to improve trade facilitation, export competitiveness and market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made this known at the second quarter 2026 meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Oduwole said that government was strengthening institutions and businesses to maximise opportunities under the AfCFTA agreement, adding that Nigeria was also advancing reforms to enhance participation in the AfCFTA.

According to her, Nigeria is making steady progress in implementing the AfCFTA agreement.

She also said that Nigeria has continued to strengthen its readiness to maximise opportunities in the African market.

The minister commended the committee members for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s implementation of the continental trade agreement.

She said that the committee reflects Nigeria’s whole-of-government and whole-of-economy approach to AfCFTA implementation.

“The committee brings together institutions responsible for trade, customs administration, standards, investment promotion and export development; others include agencies involved in legal reforms and stakeholder engagement across the country,’’ she said.

Ms Oduwole said that an additional air cargo corridor was opened with Rwanda Air on May 25 to improve regional trade connectivity.

She said stakeholders` engagements had also been intensified across the country, particularly at the sub-national level.

She added that work had progressed on the committee’s governance framework and collaboration with the private sector and media, noting that the government was simplifying AfCFTA procedures through practical guidance tools and awareness programmes.

She said the initiatives target exporters, micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs), women-owned businesses and youth entrepreneurs while describing AfCFTA as one of Africa’s most significant economic integration projects.

The minister said that the agreement covered more than 1.4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $3 trillion.

She added that businesses still faced challenges involving certification, export documentation, standards compliance and market access procedures.

She said the AfCFTA’s simplified initiative would help businesses better understand and navigate trade requirements.

Ms Oduwole also highlighted the ongoing efforts to operationalise AfCFTA legal frameworks and domesticate relevant protocols, including the Digital Trade Protocol.

She said that the stakeholders represented in committee have a vital role to play in ensuring that Nigeria fully harnesses the benefits of continental integration.

“Looking ahead, we must maintain momentum as we prepare for our first AfCFTA week coming up from the end of June to the first week in July.

“The AfCFTA conference will be taking place on June 29, 2026, while the AfCFTA council of ministers will hold it on June 30. Also, the Digital Trade Forum form is scheduled for July 1 to 3,’’ she said.

She urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration ahead of Nigeria’s hosting of AfCFTA Week, aimed at boosting exports, industrial growth and job creation.

The National Coordinator/CEO, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office,  Patience Okala, said that Nigeria had recorded significant progress in implementing the AfCFTA through coordinated actions and stakeholders’ engagement.

Ms Okala said that the AfCFTA sub-national engagement held in Kano attracted 470 businesses, including women-owned enterprises, manufacturers, exporters and youth entrepreneurs from the North-West zone.

She said the engagement provided valuable insights into opportunities, constraints and practical support required to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional markets.

According to her, government will continue to support businesses through the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, while expanding market access, financing opportunities and participation in regional value chains.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chris Isokpunwa, said the committee would continue to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement, expand awareness efforts and advance institutional coordination across various agencies involved in the AfCFTA implementation.

(NAN)