Three million Nigerian business owners are to be trained on the Rules of Origin (RoO) framework under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The initiative aims to equip local businesses with the knowledge needed to access continental markets under the trade agreement. Dr. Olusegun Olutayo, National Coordinator of the AfCFTA Nigeria Coordination Office, made the announcement in Abuja during an event hosted by the World Customs Organization. He emphasized that understanding RoO is critical for Nigerian exporters to qualify for tariff exemptions and trade benefits across Africa. The training programme is part of a broader national effort to boost participation in AfCFTA and improve export competitiveness.
Training three million Nigerian business owners is an ambitious target, but the real test lies in reaching those outside major cities. Dr. Olusegun Olutayo's plan means little if it only benefits already-connected firms in Lagos or Abuja. For most small traders, especially in rural areas, access to such information has historically been inconsistent. If this programme relies on digital platforms or urban centres, it risks reinforcing existing trade imbalances rather than fixing them.
