By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a three-day capacity-building programme on Rules of Origin as part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
The training, which began on 31 March 2026 and runs until 2 April 2026, is aimed at equipping stakeholders with the technical knowledge required to enhance Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade and improve compliance with trade rules.
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 central to strengthening both trade facilitation and enforcement under the AfCFTA framework.
He said the Rules of Origin remain a critical pillar of economic integration, stressing that their correct interpretation and implementation are essential for transparency, preference access and competitiveness in trade.
He explained that the workshop is designed to combine technical knowledge with practical application, including planning, execution and evaluation, to ensure effective nationwide implementation of AfCFTA provisions.
The National Coordinator of AfCFTA in Nigeria, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a shift from policy discussions to implementation, noting that the agreement must translate into jobs, income and real opportunities for Nigerians.
He stressed the need to deepen awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge of the Rules of Origin to enable them compete effectively across African markets.
Olutayo also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its economic direction, and acknowledged the support of development partners, including the World Customs Organization and the European Union.
Participants were urged to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained to ensure that Nigerian businesses are not disadvantaged due to lack of technical understanding or awareness.
The Nigeria Customs Service said the programme is expected to improve the country’s readiness to maximise the benefits of AfCFTA and strengthen its competitiveness in continental trade.
