Kinshasa, DRC – April 14, 2025
In a landmark move to boost Africa’s economic integration, Nigeria has formally gazetted and submitted the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The announcement comes ahead of the 16th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting, scheduled to take place today in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
This action, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signals Nigeria’s full readiness to trade under AfCFTA, a pact that eliminates tariffs on 90% of goods traded across African borders. The development significantly enhances Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and unlocks vast market opportunities for Nigerian exporters and manufacturers.
Speaking on the breakthrough, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said:
“The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the Agreement. This milestone enables Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.”
Since Nigeria’s first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, the country has steadily deepened its role in regional trade. The newly gazetted tariffs will allow Nigerian consignments to enjoy duty preferences under AfCFTA, aligning with the African Union’s directive to liberalize trade across the continent.
Under the 10-year phased implementation plan which began in 2021, Nigeria will halve tariffs on goods traded with least developed African countries by 2025, reducing 10% annually. For developing nations, Nigeria will implement a 20% annual reduction, with the flexibility of full tariff elimination.
Beyond tariff concessions, the agreement is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, empower SMEs, and attract both foreign and intra-African investment. However, experts stress the need for stronger collaboration among African trade ministers to tackle non-tariff barriers and build productive capacity.
Nigeria’s recent commendation at the African Union Summit for its leadership in digital trade adds further weight to its position. As Digital Trade Co-Champion, President Tinubu’s administration is committed to enhancing cross-border commerce and ensuring SMEs benefit from a fully integrated African market.
With the new tariff framework in place, Nigeria is not just open for business—it is taking the lead in shaping Africa’s economic future.
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