The Federal Government has successfully completed its first five-year implementation review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to maximize the benefits of intra-African trade and establish itself as a regional economic leader.
The review, in accordance with Article 28 of the AfCFTA Agreement, assesses Nigeria’s progress in fulfilling key protocols and commitments under the agreement. Coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, it received technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole emphasized the importance of this assessment in measuring progress, identifying gaps, and enhancing Nigeria’s readiness for deeper trade integration across Africa. She stated, “Our unwavering commitment to the implementation of the AfCFTA is rooted in the conviction that continental economic integration is essential for Africa’s collective prosperity.”
The review process involved the establishment of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in March 2025, which includes key government ministries and representatives from the private sector. This committee acts as the national platform for coordinating the implementation of AfCFTA obligations.
The assessment focused on Nigeria’s alignment with the AfCFTA Framework Agreement and Phase I Protocols, including Trade in Goods and Trade in Services. Each participating agency evaluated its institutional capacity and performance, resulting in actionable policy recommendations.
Dr. Oduwole outlined three key learnings from the review: the need for a coordinated multistakeholder approach, the importance of strategic investments in institutional capacity, and the necessity for innovation and evidence-based policymaking.
The review highlighted the need for improved inter-agency coordination, enhanced private sector engagement, and ongoing capacity-building initiatives. It also identified policy misalignments and logistical challenges that require immediate attention.
The recommendations from this review will inform the committee’s work program and refine Nigeria’s national implementation strategy. Looking ahead, the government plans to conduct a prospective review of Phase II Protocols, which include areas such as Investment, Intellectual Property Rights, and Digital Trade.
Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading the AfCFTA initiative and emphasized the goal of using the agreement as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development across the continent.
