Nigeria has taken another significant step towards strengthening its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as stakeholders convened at the National Assembly for the public hearing on the AfCFTA Domestication Bill.
Speaking at the hearing, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the event as an important milestone in providing the legal certainty Nigerian businesses need to expand confidently across African markets.
Dr. Oduwole, who also serves as Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the opportunities presented by the continental free trade agreement translate into tangible benefits for businesses across Nigeria.
According to the Minister, ongoing efforts in advancing digital trade, strengthening regional air cargo connectivity, and deepening engagement with subnational governments are central to Nigeria’s strategy for unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA.
She noted that these initiatives are designed to create practical opportunities for Nigerian businesses to improve their competitiveness, expand into new African markets, and capture greater value within the continent’s single market.
The AfCFTA Domestication Bill is expected to provide the legal framework required to fully align Nigeria’s trade policies with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, paving the way for increased intra-African trade, investment, and economic growth.
