The initiative by AfCFTA is a solution-oriented approach
that aims to facilitate trade between interested state parties by connecting
businesses and products for export and import.
In a statement on Thursday by the Head, Strategic
Communications Directorate of the National Working Committee, AfCFTA, Mabel
Aderonke, said Awolowo disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from
AfCFTA Secretariat.
Awolowo noted that Nigeria’s commitment to AFCFTA is very
crucial in boosting the nation’s economic growth, noting that the alliance will
make Nigeria’s economic goals and objectives broader.
It partly read, “We reached a milestone in the first phase
of the GTI. This successful pilot project has brought about positive
development changes, capacity-building initiatives, and growth in the economy
by impacting trade between Nigeria and other AfCFTA member-states.
“As we prepare to join the second phase, it is to
demonstrate and strengthen specific objectives and trade relations,
particularly reducing trade barriers, streamlining customs procedures, ensuring
infrastructure, and promoting value-addition with key industries.
“The new administration with its Renewed Hope agenda, is
focused on addressing challenges that hinder trade, such as improving logistics
and transportation infrastructure. Simplifying customs procedures and
strengthening trade-related institutions.
“The checklist received from Ghana after the completion of
the first phase requires the fulfillment of certain obligations, which Nigeria
has begun to process vigorously.”
On his part, Director, Trade in Goods and Competition,
Mohammed Ali, stated that the AFCFTA is a big train on a journey with the
biggest economy in Africa, which is Nigeria.
“The Heads of state and governments met virtually in 2021
and announced the commencement of the AfCFTA agreement. The AfCFTA is a very
big train and it is a journey and this journey has leaders. The biggest leader
is Nigeria, with the biggest economy in Africa. So any effort or step taken by
Nigeria towards AfCFTA is two steps, one step for Nigeria, and one for the rest
of the world. So that is important.
“We have concluded that trade agreement and opinion market
is not the end goal. The end goal is to have economic advancement and
industrialisation. We use the market access as a tool to attract more funds and
relations to build our economies,” he said.
In his address, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment who was represented by Mr.
Suleman Audu, disclosed that GTI will integrate Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises into a bigger supply chain as they don’t have to start going
through the process of obtaining facilities beyond their reach.
“As being part of a larger supply chain, MSMEs will grow and
move from micro to big markets that many people would want to be a part of.”
Also speaking at the meeting was Mr. John Nwajumogu, Special
Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment.
He stated that while it is an ambitious target, “we
understand the complexities around it, but they are surmountable.”