Abuja: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a stakeholder training programme designed to equip participants with the technical expertise needed to strengthen Nigeria’s role in intra‑African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the move supports the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Maiwada added that the Rules of Origin capacity-building workshop began on Tuesday to strengthen participants’ readiness and competitiveness in continental trade.
He said the programme was declared open by the Comptroller-General, NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented by Nafiu Isiaku, Assistant Comptroller-General, Strategic Research and Policy.
Adeniyi described the initiative as vital to improving trade facilitation and enforcement throughout Nigeria.
He said, “The Rules of Origin are a critical pillar of economic integration, and their correct interpretation supports trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness.”
He said the workshop would provide technical knowledge and practical skills for planning, execution, and evaluation to support nationwide implementation.
The AfCFTA National Coordinator, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a turning point toward full implementation.
Olutayo called for greater awareness and practical training on the Rules of Origin to help businesses compete across African markets.
