By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the commencement of a three-day capacity-building programme on Rules of Origin.
The training, which began on March 31, 2026, and will end on April 2, 2026, is designed to equip stakeholders with the technical knowledge required to enhance Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade.
Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (Strategic Research and Policy), Nafiu Isiaku, described the initiative as critical to strengthening trade facilitation and enforcement.
He said the Rules of Origin remain a key pillar of economic integration, stressing that their correct interpretation and implementation are essential for trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness.
According to him, the workshop is structured to provide both technical knowledge and practical skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation, to ensure effective nationwide implementation.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a turning point in Nigeria’s transition from policy discussions to full implementation.
He noted that the agreement must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians, rather than remain at the policy level.
Olutayo also emphasised the need to scale awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge on the Rules of Origin to enable them to compete effectively across African markets.
He commended the Presidency for its support, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as development partners including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union for their continued technical assistance.
Participants were urged to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge gained is effectively applied to prevent Nigerian businesses from being disadvantaged due to lack of awareness.
The programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness to fully benefit from AfCFTA and improve its competitiveness in continental trade.
