Abuja: Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as Africa’s most ambitious economic integration initiative in decades. Sulaiman made these remarks in Abuja during a three-day capacity-building programme aimed at legislators, parliamentary officials, and legislative support staff.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme, themed ‘The Role of Lawmakers in the National Implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and Its Eight Associated Protocols,’ focused on strengthening the effective implementation of AfCFTA in Nigeria. Sulaiman emphasized that the event was organized by NILDS in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). He explained that AfCFTA creates a single continental market for goods and services, facilitating the free movement of businesses and investments across African borders.
Sulaiman highlighted the agreement’s potential to offer vast opportunities for industrialization, job creation, expanded markets, and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. He stressed the critical role parliamentarians play in domesticating international agreements and enacting necessary laws for effective implementation. Additionally, Sulaiman noted that the legislature must oversee executive actions, approve budgetary allocations, and safeguard Nigeria’s national interests under AfCFTA.
The workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the AfCFTA protocols, along with Nigeria’s implementation obligations and strategies. Sulaiman expressed that the programme would enhance the capacity of legislators and staff to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities related to trade policy and regional integration. He conveyed confidence that the technical sessions and expert presentations would equip participants with practical knowledge and policy tools.
Reaffirming NILDS’ mandate to provide research support and technical assistance to the National Assembly and state legislatures, Sulaiman urged participants to engage actively, share experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the deliberations throughout the three-day programme. He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the NILDS Governing Council, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for their continued legislative support.
Prof. Desta Melaku, guest speaker and coordinator of the Africa Trade Policy Centre (UNECA), noted UNECA’s central role in offering technical support and capacity-building for African nations implementing the agreement. Melaku stated that UNECA assists with national strategies to enhance regional integration, diversify economies, and boost intra-African trade.
Sen. Ireti Kingibe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, acknowledged that AfCFTA, encompassing 54 countries and approximately 1.3 billion people, could become the largest free trade area in the world. She mentioned that women still face numerous barriers in inter-African trade but expressed hope that AfCFTA’s full operationalization would open new markets benefiting women.
John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, stressed the importance of strong legislative frameworks in driving Nigeria’s effective participation in AfCFTA. Enoh asserted that successful implementation fundamentally depends on robust laws, policy coherence, and informed engagement by lawmakers. He highlighted the pivotal role of the National Assembly in ensuring Nigeria’s success within the historic continental trade arrangement.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while officially opening the event, pledged the National Assembly’s full support for AfCFTA implementation in Nigeria.