By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a landmark move to deepen regional integration and expand economic opportunities, Nigeria has officially signed and gazetted the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), cementing its commitment to the continental trade framework.
The announcement, made on April 14, 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, comes on the eve of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade.
The gazetted document, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and transmitted to the AfCFTA Secretariat, marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s participation in AfCFTA.
The agreement mandates the elimination of tariffs on 90% of goods traded within Africa, dramatically enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness and opening doors to increased cross-border commerce.
Nigerian goods are now strategically positioned to benefit from preferential market access across the continent, creating a more conducive environment for business growth and profitability.
This milestone reflects a broader economic strategy aimed at boosting export competitiveness, facilitating easier movement of goods, and stimulating economic development through trade liberalisation.
It follows Nigeria’s first shipment under the AfCFTA framework in July 2024 and underscores the country’s growing leadership in continental trade integration.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, hailed the move as a transformative step in unlocking the country’s economic potential.
“The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the Agreement. This milestone enables Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.
“It underscores Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging Africa’s single market for economic transformation,” he said.
The tariff schedule introduces a phased approach to liberalisation: for least developed countries in Africa, Nigeria will implement a 10% annual tariff reduction to reach a 50% cut by 2025.
For trade with more developed African nations, the country is adopting a 20% annual reduction to reach full elimination, reflecting flexibility and strategic alignment with developmental goals.
Beyond the direct benefits to exporters, the move is expected to drive broader economic growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers and lowering costs, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The reciprocal arrangement also aligns with the African Union’s directive from the 35th Ordinary Session held in February 2022, authorising State Parties to accept Nigerian consignments under the Agreement.
The announcement also builds on momentum from President Tinubu’s recognition as co-Champion of Digital Trade at the AfCFTA meeting in Addis Ababa earlier this year.
Nigeria’s efforts in advancing digital trade policies further underline its commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border commerce and ensuring that businesses especially SMEs can fully capitalise on AfCFTA’s benefits.
While the tariff offer is a major step forward, the government acknowledges that non-tariff barriers, limited productive capacity, and the need for compliance with international standards remain significant challenges.
Stronger coordination among African Trade Ministers is being called for to address these hurdles and maximise the full benefits of the Agreement.
