By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has announced plans to deepen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2026 by working with state governors to identify at least one exportable product from each of the country’s 774 local government areas.
The initiative, outlined in the “Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report 2025” released by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), is aimed at scaling production, boosting non-oil exports, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness across Africa.
Speaking on the report, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole said the 2026 agenda will build on implementation milestones achieved in 2025, positioning the country to fully leverage opportunities under the continent-wide trade pact.
Operationalised through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC), FMITI will collaborate with public and private sector partners to mobilise nationwide production and conduct awareness campaigns. “FMITI will work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and State Governments to identify a minimum of one product that each Local Government Area can export into the AfCFTA market,” the report stated.
The plan also emphasises creating a supportive policy and regulatory environment to ensure full implementation of AfCFTA protocols, with the ministry leading regulatory alignment efforts. Trade data systems will be upgraded to track AfCFTA flows, including disaggregated data on goods, services, and participation by women and youth.
Nigeria will also expand advocacy and host key continental trade events ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027. The government intends to demystify AfCFTA rules and compliance through targeted publications for businesses while strengthening coordination and accountability among public sector trade agencies.
On investment and industrial capacity, the report highlights efforts to mobilise domestic and foreign investors to increase production in key sectors, positioning Nigeria as an innovation, production, and distribution hub within the AfCFTA market.
