The Nigerian Government in collaboration with the Government of Germany through GIZ and other stakeholders have converge on Abuja, Nigeria to implement the Free Trade Agreement.
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Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi said the workshop seeks to bring together relevant stakeholders to brain storm, and share experiences on the key elements, potential benefits, challenges of AfCTA, as well as discuss the role of the various Public Institutions towards the implementation of AfCTA since its ratification in 2021.
He said the findings by the Bureau revealed low level awareness of AfCTA amongst citizens, as well as the inherent benefits towards fostering growth and economy integration, hence the need for the workshop.
” The Bureau as a central agency of the federal government mandated to Initiate, Coordinate, Monitor and Evaluate implementation of reform programmes and policies across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), conduct research on implementation efforts and present best practice models, was inspired to embark on this project taking into cognizance findings arising through systemic administrative procedures and engagement with citizens indicating low-level of awareness of ACFTA”.
According to him, the concerns of the Bureau was predicated on the need to unlock the development of the Small, Medium Enterprises and emerging markets which accounts for the creation of over 80% of jobs in Africa.
Describing the Workshop as apt, the Bureau Boss noted that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area in Nigeria requires a collaboration to ensure that trade potentials are fully harnessed.
” The African Continental Free Trade Area, signed in Kigali, Rwanda in March 2018 and came into effect on January 1, 2021, is the largest free trade area in the world by the number of participating countries. It encompasses a market of over 1.3 billion people, with a combined GDP estimated to reach $3.4 trillion by 2030″.
Dr. Arabi added that this ambitious initiative seeks to promote intra-African trade, foster economic diversification, create jobs, and ultimately improve the standard of living for millions of Africans.
The Trade Facilitation and Private Sector Adviser for GIZ, Mr. Raymond Dangana said the programme aimed at improving free and efficient movement of goods in the West African region and beyond by reducing the time, and cost of trade borne by the private sector in West Africa.
According to Mr. Dangana, it will also strengthen the ability of regional trading networks to take advantage of the improvements.
“With new trade agreements and other socio-economic developments in the Region, continent and around the Globe, it is becoming increasingly necessary that stakeholders in Nigeria be informed about these key emerging trends and processes and to understand the implications to the national economy.
” At the regional level, several new steps are being taken by the ECOWAS Commission, all aimed towards strengthening the regional integration process, while complying with international best practices regarding trade facilitation”. Dangana explained
Mr. Dangana further stated that the projection of the economic outlook of trade is positive if there is the necessary synergy and cooperation amongst the various agencies responsible for the implementation of the trade regime.
The Executive Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo said he is deeply committed to steering Nigeria towards realizing the vast potential of this historic economic integration initiative
He said AfCFTA represents a significant milestone for Africa’s economic development and for Nigeria, in particular, noting that effective collaboration between the public and private sector is indispensable for its success.
According to him, the synergy between stakeholders is pivotal for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA in Nigeria.
” By harnessing their respective strengths, Nigeria can fully leverage the opportunities presented by AfCFTA and drive economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusivity for the benefit of all its citizens”.
Mr. Awolowo therefore recommended
Skills Development and Capacity Building as key to ensuring that all parties are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of AfCFTA, making the implementation smoother and more effective.
