Abuja: A university lecturer, Prof. Simon Irtwange, has stated that the Federal Government’s recent policy banning the importation of specific goods from non-ECOWAS member states is set to enhance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Irtwange, who is a Professor of Agricultural Processing and Storage at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, shared his insights during an interview in Abuja. He emphasized that the policy highlights the importance of deepening intra-African trade and facilitating the seamless operation of AfCFTA. He remarked, “The policy reinforces the need for stakeholders to ensure the workability of the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, it is imperative for Nigeria to provide leadership to fully harness the opportunities and benefits inherent in the agreement.”
The Federal Government recently issued a circular through the Federal Ministry of Finance, which bans the importation of products such as poultry, cement, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods from nations outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This circular specifies that the Import Prohibition List (Trade) is applicable solely to goods originating from non-ECOWAS member states. The revised schedule, effective from April 1, details 17 categories of goods that are prohibited from entry via all Nigerian ports.
Irtwange, also serving as the National President of the Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, noted that the policy could bolster local production and regional trade integration. Nonetheless, he raised concerns about the policy’s inclusivity, pointing out that it was implemented by a minister who left office shortly thereafter. He expressed hope that the new Minister of Finance would uphold the policy to prevent inconsistencies.
The updated list of prohibited imports is indicative of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding local industries and conserving foreign exchange reserves.