The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to drive the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the launch of a three-day capacity-building programme focused on Rules of Origin.
The training, which commenced on March 31 and will conclude on April 2, 2026, is designed to equip key stakeholders with the technical expertise required to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade.
Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi represented by the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku described the initiative as pivotal to advancing trade facilitation and enforcement across the country.
He stressed that Rules of Origin remain a cornerstone of economic integration, noting that their proper interpretation and application are essential for ensuring trade preferences, transparency, and competitiveness within the AfCFTA framework.
Adeniyi further explained that the training is structured to combine both technical knowledge and practical skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation, to support effective nationwide implementation.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the programme as a significant step in Nigeria’s transition from policy formulation to full-scale implementation of the continental trade agreement.
He emphasised that AfCFTA must deliver tangible benefits, including job creation, increased income, and expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses, rather than remaining a policy concept.
Olutayo also highlighted the importance of scaling awareness and equipping businesses with practical knowledge of Rules of Origin to enhance their competitiveness across African markets.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to driving economic growth, while also acknowledging the contributions of development partners such as the World Customs Organisation and the European Union for their sustained technical and capacity-building support.
Participants were urged to maximise the opportunity provided by the training and apply the knowledge gained to ensure that Nigerian businesses are not left behind due to limited awareness or understanding of AfCFTA provisions.
The programme is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s readiness to harness the full benefits of the AfCFTA and reinforce its position in continental trade.
