ETLS: Kogi Moves to Expand Local Businesses’ Access to Regional Export Markets

By Princess Funsho Sumanu

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and expanding opportunities for local businesses to access regional export markets through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, stated this at the North Central Sensitisation Workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, held in Kogi State, with the theme, “Harnessing the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to Promote Nigeria’s Intra-Regional Trade and Economic Growth.”

The Commissioner said the state government was working on business-enabling reforms aimed at making Kogi more attractive to investors and creating an environment where businesses could operate and grow.

He explained that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had already put in place institutional frameworks to support economic activities and that the government was working towards ensuring that these structures also promote trade liberalisation and wider market access for local entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the government’s plans for the commercial sector, Hon. Idris disclosed that the existing market would be relocated to the new ultra-modern market, while the old market would be used for commercial activities through the Community Exchange and Export Promotion Council.

According to him, the initiative reflects the Governor’s thinking to create opportunities for local businesses to export their goods and participate more actively in regional trade.

The Commissioner noted that the ETLS sensitisation workshop would help deepen understanding of the scheme in Kogi State and encourage more residents and businesses to explore opportunities beyond the domestic market.

He expressed optimism that greater participation in regional trade would enable Kogites to earn foreign exchange, increase commercial activities and contribute to the growth of the state’s economy.

Hon. Idris also acknowledged the support of Governor Ododo in providing an enabling environment for economic development, while appreciating the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, for selecting Kogi State to host the North Central workshop.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to advancing trade and economic reforms, and thanked the Minister for driving the ETLS programme.

Earlier, Ambassador Ozora Nwobu, in a technical presentation titled “An Overview of ECOWAS Integration Framework,” explained the role of regional integration in promoting economic cooperation, peace, security and good governance among member states.

He noted that sustainable regional trade required stability, effective cooperation and stronger systems that would allow businesses to move goods across borders with fewer barriers.

He also highlighted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which enables cross-border transactions in local currencies and reduces dependence on foreign currencies.

Other technical sessions at the workshop examined the procedures for registering products under the ETLS, product verification, certification,cation and challenges affecting the movement of goods across regional borders.

Participants were also sensitised on the relationship between ETLS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with emphasis on product standards, quality assurance and the need for businesses to understand the requirements for accessing wider markets.