Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified its push to position Nigerian businesses at the forefront of continental trade, as the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole led a high-impact Sub-national AfCFTA Public-Private-Press (P3) Engagement Tour in Kano State from April 27–28, 2026. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMITI.
Driving the Federal Government’s grassroots strategy, the engagement brought together key stakeholders across government and the private sector to unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), widely regarded as a gateway to a $3.4 trillion market of over 1.4 billion people.
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Oduwole underscored the urgency of collaboration in translating AfCFTA into real economic gains, describing Kano as a historic commercial powerhouse and a natural gateway for regional trade. She highlighted Nigeria’s progress, including tariff implementation, ratification of the digital trade protocol, and the launch of air cargo corridors from Abuja and Lagos which have significantly cut freight costs and boosted access to African markets. “AfCFTA is not just an agreement; it is a practical pathway to scale Nigerian businesses across Africa, and we are bringing these opportunities directly to the people,” she stated.
Representing the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, reaffirmed Kano’s readiness to seize the moment, citing ongoing investments in infrastructure and industrial expansion. He stressed the importance of aligning policies with grassroots realities while announcing ambitious plans to train 50,000 MSMEs, particularly women and youth. “Kano stands ready to lead Nigeria’s export expansion by empowering our businesses and removing barriers to trade,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu described the engagement as a decisive shift from policy conversations to practical implementation aimed at equipping businesses with the tools and regulatory support needed to compete. “Our success will be measured not by plans, but by increased trade volumes and real economic outcomes,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mohammed emphasized the importance of building capacity around export requirements and standards, particularly in agriculture. “This initiative is critical in preparing our producers to meet continental standards and fully benefit from AfCFTA,” he said.
Stakeholders across institutions echoed strong support, highlighting Kano’s strategic potential in agro-processing, textiles, leather, and digital trade, while pointing to Nigeria’s growing non-oil export performance as a sign of readiness for deeper continental integration.
The National Coordinator of Nigeria”s AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mrs. Patience Okala emphasized the shift toward practical results, unveiling simplified tools to guide businesses through export processes. “The focus now is clear—turning policy into measurable impact at the grassroots,” she said. Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiations, Rt. Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji called for decisive action, noting, “The true test of AfCFTA lies in the tangible trade outcomes we deliver.”
Development finance partners, including Afreximbank, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses through trade finance, industrialization, and infrastructure development to enable expansion across African markets.
Featuring technical sessions, export simulations, and regulatory clinics, the Kano engagement is part of a nationwide drive to simplify export processes, strengthen competitiveness, and deepen participation—particularly among MSMEs and informal traders—through initiatives such as the “One Local Government, One Export Product” programme.
The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to ensure AfCFTA delivers real, inclusive economic growth, positioning Nigerian businesses at the centre of Africa’s evolving trade landscape.
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