The Federal Government announced that ten Nigerian companies will soon start exporting various homemade products to countries across East, Central, and North Africa. This initiative is spearheaded by the National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Coordination Office.
Olusegun Awolowo, Coordinator of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, revealed this development in Lagos during the inaugural shipment ceremony under the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative. “Over the coming days and months, these ten companies will export Nigerian goods to five different African countries,” Awolowo stated.
The products range from bags and drinks to more specialized items. Companies like Le Look Nigeria Limited will export bags to Kenya, while Secure ID Limited will send smart cards to Cameroon. Notable exporters include Dangote with clinkers to Cameroon, Avila Naturalle with black soap and shea butter to Kenya, and Flour Mills Nigeria with native starch to Algeria.
Awolowo emphasized that these companies exemplify Nigeria’s resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Other participants include Craft Methods Limited, Ruchim Limited, Tolaram Group, and Hwani Industry Nigeria Limited, exporting goods like alcoholic bitters, SIM cards, wrappers, and sanitary sets to various African countries.
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Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA, which it joined in 2020 to boost intra-African trade. He noted the Customs service’s crucial role in streamlining export processes and issuing certificates of origin. Despite initial delays, lessons from countries like Rwanda and Ghana have prepared Nigeria for effective participation in the AfCFTA’s next phase.
“The NCS has trained officers on AfCFTA rules of origin and designated specialized customs ports to expedite export clearance,” Adeniyi stated, underscoring the initiative’s potential to unlock new economic opportunities for Nigeria.
