Nigeria Customs Deepens AfCFTA Implementation with Nationwide Training on Rules of Origin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to position Nigeria for greater gains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the launch of a three-day capacity-building programme focused on Rules of Origin – widely regarded as the backbone of preferential trade agreements.
The training, which commenced on 31 March 2026 and concluded on 2 April 2026, is designed to equip key stakeholders with the technical expertise required to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and participation in intra-African trade.
Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. He described the Rules of Origin as a fundamental pillar for achieving meaningful economic integration across the continent.
“The Rules of Origin constitute a very critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation and implementation are fundamental to trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness,” Adeniyi stated.
He further explained that the workshop has been carefully structured to bridge both theoretical and practical gaps, offering participants hands-on knowledge in planning, execution, and evaluation mechanisms necessary for seamless nationwide implementation.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition from policy formulation to real-time execution of the continental trade agreement.
“This agreement must not remain at the level of policy; it must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians,” Olutayo emphasised, stressing the urgent need to deepen awareness and build capacity among businesses.
He highlighted the importance of empowering Nigerian enterprises with practical knowledge of Rules of Origin, noting that this would enable them to navigate cross-border trade requirements and compete effectively within African markets.
Olutayo also acknowledged the role of the Federal Government, commending Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to driving economic growth through regional integration. He further lauded development partners such as the World Customs Organization and the European Union for their sustained technical and capacity-building support.
Participants at the training were urged to take full advantage of the programme and ensure the practical application of the knowledge acquired, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity to prevent Nigerian businesses from being left behind due to limited awareness.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s readiness to maximise the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, while strengthening its position as a competitive player in Africa’s evolving trade landscape.
