Friday, July 10, 2026

Nigeria harmonising laws to boost cross-border trade: Shettima

Mr Shettima stated that the Tinubu administration was determined to lead in shaping Africa’s digital trade landscape.

• May 12, 2025
Kashim Shettima
Kashim Shettima [Credit: Shettima]

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said that Nigeria is harmonising its laws to make cross-border commerce more seamless, secure, and scalable.

Mr Shettima said this on Monday while inaugurating the oversight committee for the Fourth African Union (AU) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved the committee to organise the AU MSME Forum, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 23 to 27.

Mr Shettima stated that the Tinubu administration was determined to lead in shaping Africa’s digital trade landscape.

“We have reformed. We have invested. And we are resolved to see this transformation through.

“This forum is indispensable. It provides the blueprint, the platform, and the partnerships that will empower African MSMEs to become the heartbeat of our economic renewal,” he said.

The vice president emphasised that the administration had taken bold steps to build digital infrastructure to connect MSMEs across Africa.

He noted that more than 83 per cent of employment in Africa lied within the informal sector, and the continent was rich in ideas and digital innovation, providing a unique opportunity to compete globally.

He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Negotiating Forum and alignment of national policies on investment, digital trade, and competition.

He also mentioned the creation of a technology export and digital trade desk to support Nigerian entrepreneurs in exporting digital goods and services.

Deputy chief of staff to the president and chair of the organising committee, Ibrahim Hadeija, said the forum would facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration on MSME development across Africa.

Minister of Information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that Nigeria hosting the event reflected growing international confidence in the country.

John Enoh, minister of state for industry and committee member, lauded the administration for prioritising MSME growth, acknowledging their vital role in gross domestic product (GDP) and national development.

He assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure a successful event.

Special adviser to the president on job creation and MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who serves as committee secretary, pledged to deliver a world-class forum that reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment.

He confirmed that preparations were on track for the opening ceremony on June 23.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Alex Otti

Health

Abia governor seeks Stanbic partnership on infrastructure

The Abia government has expressed readiness to partner with Stanbic IBTC on infrastructure financing, targeting the proposed Abia Medical City, Obuaku Seaport and SME development.

Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal

Rights

Zamfara governor approves six-month maternity leave for civil servants

The Zamfara government has approved six-month maternity leave for female civil servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.

Gender Based Violence

NationWide

Amnesty International, lawyers push for survivor-centred GBV response

The call came during a two-day training for lawyers and civil society representatives on the legal response to GBV, organised by the rights organisation in Owerri on Thursday.

Kano tricycle riders

Kano

Kano tricycle riders support govt’s waste bin reintroduction

The chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, Sani Saidu-DanKoli, disclosed this in an interview in Kano on Thursday.

Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

States

Chadian woman supplying hard drugs to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists nabbed: Military

The military said terrorists frequently used illicit drugs and intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

Beach volleyball

Sport

Nigeria to host 2027 Africa beach volleyball championship

Nigeria secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship, the National Sports Commission announced on Thursday.