Bauchi: The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing regional trade integration and boosting exports through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS). This was articulated by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during an ETLS sensitisation workshop held for the North-East zone in Bauchi.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Enikanolaiye emphasized the importance of local businesses and manufacturers leveraging the scheme to increase production, create jobs, and foster wealth creation. The sensitisation workshop aimed to raise awareness and improve understanding among businesses and manufacturers about the ETLS and its potential benefits.
The minister highlighted that the ETLS is crafted to enhance economic cooperation and trade integration among ECOWAS member states, with the goal of accelerating regional economic growth. The scheme will provide market access for manufacturers and businesses across the ECOWAS member states, facilitating the expa
nsion of customer bases, increasing revenue, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.
Enikanolaiye described the ETLS as a fundamental element of regional trade integration and free trade, designed to establish a common economic union among member states. The scheme aims to eliminate customs duties on qualifying products and promote the implementation of a unified customs policy within the subregion.
He emphasized that the scheme offers an opportunity to foster greater economic integration and unlock the potential of intra-regional trade. The ministry prioritizes the well-being of Nigerians by involving grassroots individuals in its programs and foreign policy formulation.
The minister urged businesses and manufacturers in the North-East to utilize the opportunities provided by the scheme to expand production and promote sustainable economic growth. He also called for the processing of agricultural produce and raw materials in Bauchi and other parts of the region to support industrial
growth and strengthen value chains.
According to him, enhanced value addition would promote exports, economic diversification, and regional trade integration. Enikanolaiye stated that these initiatives are part of the government’s efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
During the inauguration of the workshop, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State remarked that the ETLS aligns with his administration’s development agenda of positioning the state as a trade hub in the region. Represented by his Deputy, Mr. Auwal Jatau, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to job creation and economic diversification through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Mohammed highlighted that the scheme should create an enabling environment for the integration of the North-East trade corridor, attract investments, and remove barriers to legitimate trade. He assured support from the state government for programs aimed at promoting manufacturing, businesses, and trade.
The governor commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ECO
WAS Commission, and other stakeholders for organizing the workshop, calling for stronger partnerships to mobilize greater participation in the scheme.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, noted that the ETLS provides local manufacturers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand their businesses across the subregion. Represented by Ambassador Ali Gombe, Ahmed stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the scheme.
Mr. Aminu Ashimi, President of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, advocated for continuous training of businesses on the ETLS and the formalization of informal trade to improve productivity and stimulate economic growth. Ashimi pledged to sensitize chamber members on the scheme and encourage them to register under the ETLS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The workshop, reported by NAN, was attended by manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and government offici
als from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.