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Nigeria Gazettes ECOWAS Tariff Offer, Boosts AfCFTA Implementation

Nigeria has taken a major step in strengthening its position in intra-African trade with the official gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The move was announced ahead of the 16th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for April 15 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the tariff schedule establishes zero duties on 90% of tariff lines for trade in goods, marking a significant milestone in regional trade integration. The development is expected to make Nigerian goods more competitive across the African continent, boost export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.

According to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, the gazetting of the tariff offer demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness for full participation in the AfCFTA framework. “This milestone enables Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade,” she said.

The tariff concessions follow a phased approach over a 10-year period beginning in 2021. By 2025, Nigeria will have implemented a 50% tariff reduction for goods traded with least developed African countries, reducing tariffs by 10% annually. For trade with developing African countries, Nigeria is initiating a 20% annual reduction, aiming for complete tariff elimination.

The move aligns with the African Union’s directive from its 35th Ordinary Session in February 2022, allowing other AfCFTA member states to accept Nigerian consignments under the agreement. It also builds on Nigeria’s progress since its first AfCFTA-compliant shipment in July 2024.

The tariff offer is expected to bring multiple economic benefits, including the creation of jobs, lower costs for SMEs, expanded market access, and stronger investor confidence in Nigeria as a regional trade hub. However, trade experts note that beyond tariff elimination, stronger efforts are needed to tackle non-tariff barriers and enhance compliance with international standards.

The announcement follows Nigeria’s leadership on digital trade, reaffirmed at the AfCFTA Digital Trade Mandate in February, where President Tinubu was recognized for his role in advancing cross-border e-commerce and trade facilitation.

With its latest move, Nigeria sends a clear message: it is open for business and determined to drive economic transformation through continental trade integration.

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