The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully completed its first five-year review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation, marking a major step toward unlocking Africa’s $3.4 trillion market potential. The review, which is in line with Article 28 of the AfCFTA Agreement, is expected to position Nigeria as a leading trade hub within the continent.
The assessment, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa, evaluated Nigeria’s progress on trade in goods, services, and dispute settlement mechanisms under the AfCFTA Phase I protocols.
Speaking on the development, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized that the review is a strategic move to measure progress and strengthen institutional readiness for deeper trade integration.
“Our unwavering commitment to AfCFTA is rooted in the conviction that continental economic integration is crucial for Africa’s prosperity and competitiveness,” Oduwole stated. “Nigeria is strategically positioned to become an innovation, production, and trade hub within the AfCFTA market.”
The minister added that the review aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes non-oil export diversification and improved participation in intra-African trade.
The review highlighted major achievements, including the establishment of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) in March 2025. The committee, comprising over 20 government agencies and private sector representatives, is tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation, negotiations, and domestication of obligations.
However, the report identified challenges such as policy misalignments, logistical constraints, and weak inter-agency coordination. It also emphasized the need for:
Improved capacity-building for trade institutions
Greater private sector engagement in trade facilitation
Innovation and evidence-based policymaking for sustained growth
“These findings will guide the CCC’s work programme and help fine-tune Nigeria’s national implementation strategy,” Oduwole said, stressing that the recommendations would shape performance benchmarks for trade-related institutions.
The Federal Government is now preparing for the Phase II Protocols, which will cover investment, intellectual property rights, competition policy, digital trade, and women and youth participation in trade.
“We are not just reviewing for compliance. Our objective is to ensure AfCFTA drives economic transformation and sustainable development for Nigerians and the continent,” Oduwole noted.
The minister also urged other African countries to undertake similar reviews, pledging Nigeria’s readiness to share technical expertise in support of regional solidarity.
Nigeria’s active participation in AfCFTA is expected to boost its non-oil exports, attract foreign investments, and create millions of jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Experts believe that if properly implemented, the trade pact could add over $450 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2035, with Nigeria standing to benefit significantly due to its large population and industrial potential.