The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office has stated that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Nigeria has led to businesses in the country expanding to several markets. A statement by the Acting National Coordinator, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, said through structured engagement with business associations and trade groups, the Coordination Office worked to identify export-ready products, connect Nigerian enterprises with African markets, and strengthen linkages across continental value chains. Commenting on the AfCFTA implementation scorecard, he said significant strides have been recorded under the leadership of the late National Coordinator, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo whose stewardship and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration helped position Nigeria as a leading participant in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). SPONSOR AD He added that the office has engaged in digitalization aimed at integrating AfCFTA processes into national trade information systems. “These reforms are expected to enhance transparency, facilitate data exchange, and improve the tracking of cross-border shipments, thereby supporting a more efficient trade ecosystem. The report titled, “The Nigeria AfCFTA Consolidated Implementation Report for 2024–2025”, outlines key milestones achieved during the period, including Nigeria’s formal participation in AfCFTA trading arrangements, strengthened institutional coordination, and expanded engagement with the private sector and development partners. According to Olutayo, the Coordination Office remains focused on strengthening institutional frameworks, expanding exporter participation, and scaling Nigeria’s trade presence across African markets. “A landmark achievement highlighted in the report was Nigeria’s participation in the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), which served as a pilot framework to facilitate preferential trade among participating African countries. Under this arrangement, Nigeria successfully executed its first AfCFTA-compliant shipment, marking a historic step in the country’s integration into the continental trading system,” he said.