Margaret Ebeshi
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional trade integration and empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
This was the central message delivered by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the opening of the ETLS Sensitisation Workshop held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu State, in South-East Nigeria.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the initiative as a timely and strategic step towards deepening economic cooperation and unlocking opportunities within the West African region.
“This initiative is timely, as it speaks directly to the urgent task before us, which is to deepen regional integration, expand cross-border trade, and empower our SMEs to take their rightful place in the vast West African market,” she stated.
The Minister commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, and his cabinet for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements, noting that Enugu’s growing reputation for innovation and enterprise aligns perfectly with the objectives of the ECOWAS scheme.
“The state has become a beacon of economic transformation in the South-East of Nigeria. SMEs remain the engine room of our economy; they generate employment, stimulate innovation, and drive inclusive prosperity,” she said.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised that the ETLS, as the oldest operational trade policy of ECOWAS, remains a strategic pillar of regional integration, complementing the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and paving the way for greater participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“ETLS is both a gateway and a test case for Africa’s economic renaissance,” she added.
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She underscored that Nigeria’s leadership in the scheme is not optional but expected, stressing that success would be measured by how well local entrepreneurs and manufacturers across the country — beyond Abuja and Lagos — can compete regionally.
“This workshop, therefore, is about democratising opportunity, equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills to transcend local boundaries and embrace the wider West African market,” she remarked.
Highlighting the South-East’s long-standing tradition of commerce and innovation, the Minister expressed optimism that the region is well positioned to benefit from regional trade integration.
She called on participants to actively engage in discussions, share ideas, and forge partnerships that will expand business frontiers beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to economic diplomacy and trade facilitation, stressing that “the prosperity of our people is the ultimate measure of foreign policy.”
“Regional integration is not an abstract idea. It is about people, jobs, markets, and opportunities. It is about transforming promises into tangible benefits for every Nigerian entrepreneur,” she concluded.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with ECOWAS and other relevant stakeholders, brought together policymakers, business leaders, SME operators, and representatives from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s participation in regional trade.