Scorecard Reveals Nigeria’s Transition from Preparation to Execution in AfCFTA
The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office has released its consolidated implementation report for 2024–2025, highlighting significant progress in the country’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The scorecard, unveiled on March 15, 2026, documents milestones achieved under the leadership of the late National Coordinator, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, whose stewardship helped position Nigeria as a leading participant in the continental trade framework.
The report outlines Nigeria’s transition from preparatory groundwork to demonstrable execution of AfCFTA commitments, including strengthened institutional coordination, expanded private sector engagement, and enhanced collaboration with development partners.
Acting National Coordinator, Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, said the scorecard reflects both achievements and renewed commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“This report serves not only as a record of achievements but also as a reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s commitment to fully harnessing the transformative potential of the AfCFTA,” he stated.
Dr. Olutayo emphasized that the Coordination Office remains focused on expanding exporter participation and scaling Nigeria’s trade presence across African markets.
“We are strengthening institutional frameworks and building confidence in the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria regarding their readiness for the AfCFTA Implementation Agenda,” he explained.
A landmark achievement highlighted in the report was Nigeria’s participation in the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), which enabled the country’s first AfCFTA-compliant shipment.
“This historic step marked Nigeria’s formal integration into the continental trading system,” the report noted.
Other strides include capacity-building programmes for exporters, customs authorities, and regulators, particularly on AfCFTA’s complex Rules of Origin requirements.
The report also underscored progress in digitalization, with initiatives to integrate AfCFTA processes into national trade information systems to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Nigeria has also advanced in operationalizing AfCFTA protocols covering trade in goods, services, digital trade, investment, competition policy, and intellectual property rights, frameworks that provide the legal foundation for deeper economic cooperation across Africa.