The Federal Government has completed its first five-year implementation review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to deepen intra-African trade and enhance its economic competitiveness.
The assessment, conducted in accordance with Article 28 of the AfCFTA Agreement, was led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa. It evaluates Nigeria’s progress in implementing key protocols such as trade in goods and services, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who initiated the review, said the process was vital in identifying gaps and measuring Nigeria’s institutional readiness for deeper trade integration across the continent.
“Our unwavering commitment to the AfCFTA stems from the belief that Africa’s prosperity hinges on economic integration,” Oduwole said. “Nigeria is well-positioned to become a regional hub for innovation, production, and trade.”
The review followed the creation of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) in March 2025, which includes over 20 ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector stakeholders. The CCC was tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s implementation and negotiation efforts under the trade pact.
The findings emphasized the importance of stronger inter-agency coordination, private sector engagement, and sustained investments in institutional capacity. The report also flagged policy misalignments and logistical challenges as obstacles to effective implementation.
According to Oduwole, the review will inform performance benchmarks and refine Nigeria’s national strategy. “This isn’t just about compliance,” she noted. “It’s about positioning Nigeria to benefit fully from AfCFTA.”
The report’s recommendations align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes non-oil export growth and increased continental trade participation. Oduwole also announced plans to begin a forward-looking review of Phase II AfCFTA Protocols covering investment, digital trade, intellectual property, and competition policy.
In a call for regional cooperation, Oduwole encouraged other AfCFTA signatories to conduct similar assessments and pledged Nigeria’s support in sharing best practices. “Our goal is to make AfCFTA a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth—not just for Nigeria, but for all of Africa,” she said.
