Nigeria has taken a significant leap in advancing its economic integration within Africa by officially gazetting and submitting the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. This development reaffirms the country’s commitment to deepening intra-African trade and positioning itself as a major economic player on the continent.
The formal transmission of the tariff schedule to the AfCFTA Secretariat comes just ahead of the 16th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and symbolizes Nigeria’s readiness to engage in tariff-free trade across Africa.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized that the move is a bold step toward transforming Nigeria into a key export hub. “By formalizing our tariff commitments, we are ensuring Nigerian goods can compete fairly across African markets while unlocking new opportunities for local manufacturers, exporters, and SMEs,” she said in a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Dr. Adebayo Thomas.
Under the AfCFTA framework, 90% of tariff lines are to be liberalized, which means zero duties on the majority of goods traded within the continent. This development is expected to make Nigerian exports more competitive, spur economic growth, and support local industries through broader market access and reduced costs.
President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the ECOWAS Tariff Offer further highlights Nigeria’s strong political will to drive regional trade. Tinubu, recently commended for his leadership on digital trade initiatives, has been at the forefront of promoting seamless cross-border commerce, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
The tariff reduction will be rolled out in phases, with Nigeria set to achieve a 50% cut in tariffs for least developed African countries by 2025—five years into AfCFTA implementation. Meanwhile, for trade with more developed African nations, Nigeria will gradually eliminate tariffs by 20% per year, ensuring flexibility while maintaining momentum.
This phased approach aligns with the African Union’s directive from the 35th Ordinary Session in 2022 and paves the way for other State Parties to begin receiving Nigerian exports under the AfCFTA agreement.
The benefits are expected to be substantial. Apart from boosting export competitiveness, the initiative is poised to strengthen regional economic ties, generate employment, and attract intra-African and foreign investment. By lowering trade barriers, the agreement creates a more enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to scale and expand into new markets.
However, experts stress that tariff reduction alone won’t suffice. Non-tariff barriers, inadequate productive capacity, and the need for compliance with global standards remain critical challenges. Addressing these will be essential for Nigeria to fully capitalize on AfCFTA’s promise.
As one of AfCFTA’s digital trade co-champions, Nigeria continues to advance innovative trade facilitation tools that prioritize efficiency and inclusivity. From digital customs to e-commerce integration, these efforts signal a future where Nigerian businesses can thrive in a borderless African market.
With the recent gazetting of its tariff offers, Nigeria sends a clear message: it is open for business, prepared to lead, and ready to shape the future of trade in Africa.
