Nigeria's Federal Government is pushing states to tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area and drive industrial growth across the nation. Minister Jumoke Oduwole made the call on Monday during talks with state commerce commissioners in Abuja.
Oduwole said the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between federal and state governments on trade and investment. She noted that working together would unlock AfCFTA opportunities while boosting job creation nationwide.
"States and federal collaboration will maximise AfCFTA opportunities, while regular knowledge-sharing sessions will improve coordination between both governments on trade and investment initiatives," she told the commissioners.
According to Oduwole, the trade agreement forms a core pillar of President Tinubu's economic diversification push. It's designed to expand market access and boost Nigeria's standing across the continent.
Her ministry has launched nationwide sensitisation tours to prepare businesses for continental trade. Kano in the North-West hosted the first leg of the capacity-building initiative.
The tours bring together government agencies and private sector players. They equip businesses with knowledge needed for cross-border commerce.
"Every state and local government has exportable products capable of joining regional and continental value chains," Oduwole said. She urged subnational governments to identify and promote their competitive sectors.
Nigeria will host the Creative Africa Nexus and Intra-African Trade Fair in Lagos in November 2027. Both events present major opportunities for local entrepreneurs and manufacturers.
Oduwole called on states to mobilise businesses to participate in the continental events. She wants them to expand their footprint in African markets.
Nigeria takes the chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers next. The country will lead key continental trade committees for the coming year.
Oduwole stressed the need for sustained collaboration at all government levels. Economic prosperity for Nigeria and the African continent depends on it, she noted.
Minister of State John Enoh said the ministry remained committed to industrial growth. He highlighted that most manufacturing hubs and industrial projects sit within states, not federal territories.
Enoh noted the Federal Government had introduced a National Industrial Policy. Officials are working with states to implement industrial clusters and investment programmes.
Lagos State Commissioner Folashade Ambrose-Medebem praised the ministers for strengthening federal-state ties. Speaking for her peers, she said the engagement would deepen coordination and drive enterprise development.
The commissioners plan to align their programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda. They're committed to using the collaboration to promote economic growth.
