Nigeria has officially intensified its national efforts to drive and coordinate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning itself as a central force in shaping the future of Africa’s economic integration. This renewed push brings together government ministries, private-sector leaders, civil society, and the media under a unified strategy aimed at maximizing the country’s influence and benefits within the continent-wide trading framework.
The initiative was showcased at the first-ever AfCFTA Public–Private–Press (P3) Summit, organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) in partnership with the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee, with support from Afreximbank and additional regional development partners.
The summit, themed “AfCFTA Simplified: Seizing Opportunities for Government and Business to Win Together,” was designed to deepen nationwide awareness of AfCFTA opportunities and accelerate a coordinated rollout across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated that Nigeria is advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding trade integration, improving competitiveness, and boosting economic resilience in a global environment marked by rapid change. She noted that the AfCFTA, which covers a $3.4 trillion market of 1.4 billion people, represents one of the most ambitious integration efforts in modern history—one driven by a youthful, dynamic, and innovative African population.
Oduwole stressed that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity is closely linked to a stronger presence in intra-African trade, explaining that the continent retains significantly more economic value when African nations trade goods and services among themselves. She also referenced Nigeria’s prominent history in shaping Africa’s integration journey—from the Lagos Plan of Action to the Abuja Treaty—positioning the country as a natural leader in the next phase of continental economic transformation.
Highlighting recent progress achieved in 2025, she listed several key milestones:
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adoption of tariff concessions for AfCFTA-eligible products
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strengthened leadership in digital trade frameworks
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improved efficiency and capacity in customs operations
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expanded air-cargo export routes for Nigerian businesses
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deployment of market intelligence tools to help exporters compete within the AfCFTA market
According to the minister, the next stage of implementation requires precise, multisectoral planning. She announced that:
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government institutions will adopt a performance measurement system,
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the private sector will shape the pillars of Nigeria’s national AfCFTA strategy, and
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the media will ensure that public communication is accurate, constructive, and aligned with national priorities.
Oduwole urged all key stakeholders to unite behind the ambition of creating a robust continental marketplace that is “Made, Powered, and Led by Nigeria.”
National Transformation Pillars
In his remarks, FMITI Permanent Secretary Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi described the P3 Summit as a historic meeting point of “the three pillars of national transformation—the public sector, the private sector, and the press.” He emphasized that as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria carries both a responsibility and a strategic advantage in leading AfCFTA implementation.
Representing the public sector, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the importance of clearly defining institutional roles and strengthening coordination among government agencies. He noted that improved governance alignment is essential to ensure Nigeria fully captures the economic opportunities embedded in AfCFTA.
Private-sector representative Engr. Jani Ibrahim, speaking through Suleiman Adeboyo Audu, praised the P3 approach for bringing together the most critical players needed for the success of Africa’s largest free-trade area. He stated that although simplifying AfCFTA’s complex processes presents challenges, it is entirely achievable with unified leadership and sustained commitment.
For the media, Dr. Halima Musa, Director of News at NTA, welcomed the recognition of the press as a crucial partner in shaping public understanding. She affirmed that Nigerian media organizations stand ready to deliver factual, accessible, and solution-oriented information that supports the nation’s economic aspirations.
