By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, following a strategic engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NACO, Mrs. Patience Okala, received a delegation from NESG led by its Chief Executive Officer, Tayo Aduloju, in a meeting aimed at reinforcing collaboration and accelerating Nigeria’s participation in the continental trade framework.
During the visit, the NESG delegation congratulated Okala on her leadership and reiterated the organisation’s continued support for the effective implementation of AfCFTA, particularly in ensuring that Nigerian businesses fully benefit from the agreement.
Speaking at the engagement, Mrs Okala highlighted key milestones recorded by Nigeria under the AfCFTA framework. She noted progress made through the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), the submission of services commitments, and the official gazetting of the country’s provisional schedule of tariff concessions.
She further emphasized Nigeria’s leading role in shaping the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, stressing that digitalisation remains central to the future of trade across the continent.
The NACO boss also disclosed ongoing efforts to broaden stakeholder participation through nationwide sensitisation programmes, including the rollout of zonal engagement initiatives beginning in Kano, aimed at bringing more businesses and institutions into the AfCFTA ecosystem.
Discussions at the meeting focused on bridging the gap between policy formulation and execution, strengthening private sector involvement—particularly within the financial sector—and enhancing coordinated advocacy efforts. Participants also underscored the importance of grassroots onboarding and improved institutional alignment to maximise the benefits of the agreement.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s strategic position, Okala stated that amid global trade uncertainties, boosting intra-African trade remains critical, noting that Nigeria is poised to take a leading role in driving economic integration across the continent.
