In a quiet but crucial move, Nigeria just took a major step toward unlocking more intra-African trade.
On Monday, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment announced that Nigeria has officially signed and submitted its ECOWAS Tariff Offer under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). That means Nigeria is now formally onboard with reducing tariffs on 90% of traded goods across Africa.
“This is about more than just trade,” said Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite. “It’s about positioning Nigeria at the center of Africa’s economic integration.”
Under the agreement, Nigerian businesses can now benefit from zero-duty access to dozens of African countries—provided those countries reciprocate. It’s a shift from traditional trade patterns where Nigerian exporters often faced high tariffs, complicated customs procedures, or outright bans.
Experts say the move could open up huge new markets for made-in-Nigeria products, particularly in agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. But they also warn that Nigeria must be ready to compete.
“We need infrastructure, logistics, and policies that support exporters,” said a Lagos-based trade economist. “AfCFTA is an opportunity—but only if we show up prepared.”
The Tariff Offer represents a long-awaited show of commitment from Africa’s largest economy. Now, the real work begins: turning policy into prosperity.
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