The Nigeria Customs Service says it has begun equipping stakeholders with technical knowledge to enhance Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade.

Its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the move supports effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Mr Maiwada said the capacity-building on Rules of Origin began on Tuesday to strengthen readiness and improve competitiveness in continental trade.

He said the programme was declared open by NCS comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi.

Mr Adeniyi described the initiative as critical to strengthening trade facilitation and enforcement across Nigeria.

“The Rules of Origin constitute a critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation underpins trade preference, transparency and competitiveness,” he said.

He added the workshop would deliver technical knowledge and practical skills for planning, execution and evaluation to ensure effective nationwide implementation.

AfCFTA’s national coordinator, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a turning point toward full implementation.

Mr Olutayo urged scaling up awareness and equipping businesses with practical knowledge on Rules of Origin to compete effectively across African markets.

(NAN)