…As Government targets stronger regional trade, investment and job creation through ECOWAS framework
By Princess Funsho Sumanu
The Kogi State Government is working towards establishing a Community Exchange and Export Promotion Council to strengthen local businesses, boost exports and position entrepreneurs to take advantage of emerging opportunities in West African and international markets.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, disclosed this at the North Central sensitisation workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), held in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The workshop, themed “Harnessing the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) to Promote Nigeria’s Intra-Regional Trade and Economic Growth,” brought stakeholders together to examine opportunities for expanding Nigerian businesses through regional trade integration.
Idris explained that the proposed council was part of the state government’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at strengthening commercial activities, supporting local producers and creating an organised platform through which entrepreneurs could access regional and international markets.
He said the government was also implementing business-friendly reforms to make Kogi more attractive to investors and create an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive.
According to him, the ongoing relocation of the market to a new site would further support the state’s commercial development drive, while the proposed council would provide an institutional framework for connecting local businesses with export opportunities.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that the workshop would deepen public understanding of the benefits of ETLS and encourage more entrepreneurs in the state to explore export trade and earn foreign exchange.
He noted that access to markets beyond Nigeria would expand business opportunities, stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
Idris commended the state government for facilitating the workshop and appreciated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, for facilitating the engagement in Kogi State.
He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms and trade promotion, noting that the initiative would help Nigerian businesses take greater advantage of opportunities within the West African region.
Providing insights into regional integration, Amb. Ozora Nwobu, in a paper presentation titled “An Overview of ECOWAS Integration Framework,” explained that the ECOWAS integration agenda had expanded beyond economic cooperation to include peace, security, conflict prevention and good governance.
He stressed that political stability and security remained critical to sustainable regional integration, noting that cross-border trade and business activities thrive in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation.
Nwobu also highlighted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which facilitates cross-border transactions in local currencies, reduces dependence on foreign currencies and makes trade among African countries easier.
Other technical sessions examined the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, particularly the requirements and procedures for businesses seeking to export qualifying products within the region.
Participants were guided through the product verification process, including preparation, application, factory inspection, approval and shipping.
The discussions also identified operational challenges confronting exporters, including certificate transmission failures at border posts, unofficial charges, duplicated claims, inconsistent standards and delays in customs procedures.
Speakers consequently called for improved digital integration, electronic certification, clearly defined approval timelines and stronger coordination among customs authorities to remove unnecessary barriers to legitimate trade.
The workshop further highlighted the complementary relationship between ETLS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging Nigerian businesses to leverage opportunities within the West African market as a springboard for accessing the wider African continental market.
For Kogi State, the engagement underscored the need for local entrepreneurs to improve product quality, embrace innovation, expand production capacity and familiarise themselves with export requirements to compete effectively in regional markets.
The proposed Community Exchange and Export Promotion Council is expected to provide an institutional platform for translating the opportunities identified at the workshop into practical support for local businesses, strengthening Kogi’s participation in regional trade and advancing the state’s economic diversification agenda.
