Nigeria’s Parliament Moves to Implement AfCFTA Agreement

Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday pledged decisive legislative steps and stronger oversight to ensure the country fully benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. 

Opening a three-day workshop on lawmakers’ role in implementing AfCFTA and its eight protocols, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed that treaties alone are ineffective without deliberate domestication and sustained parliamentary scrutiny.

Represented by Senator Ibrahim Khalid, he described AfCFTA as a landmark opportunity to transform Africa’s economy, urging the National Assembly to turn continental commitments into tangible national outcomes.

The workshop, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), aims to equip lawmakers with the knowledge to legislate strategically, strengthen oversight and clarify Nigeria’s continental obligations. 

House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Rabiu Yusuf, called AfCFTA one of Africa’s boldest integration moves. He stressed that its success depends on coordinated national action, legislative backing and funding for customs, MSMEs, trade infrastructure and monitoring systems.

Speaking for the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Deji Adeshile said Nigeria’s Industrial Policy 2025 prioritizes trade competitiveness and regional integration, noting that aligning domestic laws with AfCFTA protocols will smooth trade, protect investments and strengthen MSMEs. 

UNECA’s Prof. Melaku Desta warned that AfCFTA’s success hinges on strong national implementation and compliance with legal obligations, while NILDS Director-General Prof. Abubakar Suleiman hailed the pact as transformative, stressing the legislature’s critical role in domesticating agreements, passing laws, approving budgets and providing oversight.