Nigeria Gazettes ECOWAS Tariff Schedule to Boost Trade Under AfCFTA

The Federal Government has officially gazetted and submitted the ECOWAS tariff schedule for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the ECOWAS Secretariat.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said this step is an important milestone in Nigeria’s regional trade integration efforts and comes just ahead of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr. Oduwole explained that the agreement allows for zero duties on 90% of tariff lines, which helps Nigeria stay competitive and opens up new trade opportunities across the continent.

“Nigerian goods are now competitively positioned in the African market, ensuring greater business access and profitability.

“President Bola Tinubu signed the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional trade expansion.

“This step under the AfCFTA framework strengthens Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of intra-African trade and boosting export competitiveness.

“Furthermore, it enables the seamless shipment of goods to and from Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, manufacturers, and exporters.

“Implications of Nigeria’s ECOWAS Tariff offer the gazetting of the schedule of tariff concessions is expected to yield significant benefits,” she said.

The Minister added that the agreement will support economic growth and job creation by lowering trade barriers. It will also build stronger economic ties in the region and help Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) cut costs and expand into new markets.

“Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation makes it an attractive destination for foreign and intra-African investment, reinforcing its role as a trade hub in West Africa.

“However, stronger engagement is required from African Trade Ministers to address other types of barriers, including non-tariff barriers that could hinder market access.

“Additionally, improving productive capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards remain imperative to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

“Nigeria is open for business. The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS schedule of tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the agreement.”

Dr. Oduwole said this milestone allows Nigerian exporters to enjoy preferential tariff access in African markets, helping Nigeria strengthen its position in regional and global trade.

She also said the move shows Nigeria’s commitment to using Africa’s single market to drive economic growth.

“After initiating its first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, Nigeria has solidified its leadership in regional trade and integration with the formal gazetting of the schedule of tariffs for trade in goods.

“This is to ensure that Nigerian goods can access other markets competitively and profitably.”

“This reciprocal trade arrangement aligns with the directive of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2022.

“As a result, other AfCFTA State Parties can now accept consignments from Nigeria under the Agreement.

“Under its preferred classification, Nigeria’s tariff reductions for trade in goods follow a phased approach over 10 years beginning in 2021.

“By 2025, the fifth year of AfCFTA implementation, a 50 per cent tariff reduction on NGN, implemented at a rate of 10 per cent per year, should immediately affect goods in trade with least developed countries in Africa.

“For trade with developing countries on the continent, Nigeria retains the flexibility of complete tariff elimination (0 per cent) effectively immediately under AfCFTA, applying a 20 per cent reduction annually.”

She also referenced Nigeria’s leadership role in digital trade, which was recognized earlier this year.

“The gazetting announcement follows the AfCFTA digital trade mandate announced in February in Addis Ababa.

“The President, however, received a commendation for his work on digital trade, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional and continental trade integration.

“As a digital trade co-champion, Nigeria is advancing seamless trade facilitation and cross-border commerce, ensuring businesses—especially SMEs—can fully benefit from AfCFTA’s framework,” she said.