Shettima pledges Nigeria’s leadership in AfCFTA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured other African countries that Nigeria would actively participate and provide leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Vice President gave this assurance at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held by the African Continental Free Trade Area on Monday.

Shettima disclosed that Nigeria’s participation would enable it to harness the vast opportunities available and enhance its position as a key player in the African market.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of National Action Committee on the AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo, underscored the crucial role of the agreement in stimulating intra-African trade, thereby driving economic growth, and uplifting the lives of millions of individuals across the continent.

Awolowo emphasised the necessity for comprehensive policies and frameworks that would effectively facilitate the unhindered flow of goods, services, and investments within Africa.

He described the country’s participation as an exploration of the potential to utilise technology and digital platforms for enhancing trade facilitation, reducing barriers, and fostering inclusivity among businesses of all sizes.

He said, “My belief is that Nigeria is on the right path to harnessing the transformative power of this continental agreement, and we will continue working closely with the Vice President and the new administration to drive Nigeria’s successful integration into the African market and contribute to the realisation of the shared vision of a prosperous and united Africa.”