By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to position the country for optimal gains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the launch of a three-day capacity-building programme focused on Rules of Origin.
The training, which commenced on March 31 and concludes on April 2, 2026, is designed to equip key stakeholders with the technical expertise required to boost Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade and ensure compliance with AfCFTA protocols.
Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, described the initiative as pivotal to strengthening trade facilitation and enforcement mechanisms.
He noted that Rules of Origin remain a cornerstone of economic integration under AfCFTA, stressing that their proper interpretation and implementation are essential for ensuring transparency, trade preference, and competitiveness among member states.
According to him, the training has been carefully structured to deliver both theoretical and practical knowledge, covering key aspects such as planning, execution, and evaluation, with the aim of achieving seamless implementation across the country.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the programme as a critical shift from policy formulation to practical implementation of the continental trade agreement.
Olutayo emphasised that AfCFTA must go beyond policy discussions to deliver tangible economic benefits, including job creation, increased income, and expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
He underscored the importance of raising awareness and building the capacity of businesses, particularly in understanding Rules of Origin, to enhance their competitiveness within African markets.
The coordinator also commended the Presidency for its support, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to driving economic growth through strategic trade initiatives.
He further lauded development partners, including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union, for their sustained technical and capacity-building support towards the successful implementation of AfCFTA in Nigeria.
Participants at the workshop were urged to fully engage with the training and apply the knowledge gained effectively, ensuring that Nigerian businesses are not disadvantaged due to gaps in awareness or technical understanding.
The programme is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s readiness to harness the full benefits of AfCFTA, while strengthening its position in the evolving continental trade landscape.
