FG restates commitment to speed up digital trade
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Sheriff, stated this on Thursday at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Aid for Trade Session in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mr Sheriff, who said that Nigeria was well positioned as a regional digital trade hub, urged global partners to support its efforts in expanding market access and economic growth.
He said, “Nigeria recognises digital trade as a critical driver of economic diversification. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a regional hub for digital services, streamline trade processes, and expand market access for Nigerian businesses.
“With the right policies and infrastructure, Africa can unlock the full potential of its $4.3 trillion market under AfCFTA.’’
Mr Sheriff explained that in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI UK), Nigeria has launched a series of high-impact workshops.
He said that the workshops were aimed at streamlining trade processes, enhancing state-level exports, and leveraging digital identity and payment systems for cross-border commerce.
He noted, “The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s digital trade agenda. She recently led discussions with the AfCFTA secretary-general on enhancing regional trade integration and digital payment systems. Her leadership has been instrumental in aligning Nigeria’s trade policies with AfCFTA’s digital transformation goals.’’
Mr Sheriff called on the WTO, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to invest in broadband infrastructure, support MSME capacity-building, and facilitate seamless cross-border digital payments.
He added, “Nigeria is not just participating in Africa’s digital trade transformation; we are leading it. We invite global partners to collaborate with us in unlocking Africa’s digital economy.’’
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
CAF names Egypt as new host for 2025 U-20 AFCON following Ivory Coast’s withdrawal
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to Egypt after the initial host nation, Ivory Coast, pulled out of staging the tournament
Showbiz
Getting married is no joke, says Davido
Davido said marriage could not be compared to dating and cohabitation, as the former feels different.
Health
Cerebrospinal meningitis kills three in Gombe
Mr Dahiru further said the state had identified 70 suspected cases in nine local government areas (LGA) and had collected 63 samples.
Abuja
Wike outlines projects for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year
The minister added that the two interchanges on Wole Soyinka Way (N20) would also be inaugurated in May.
NationWide
Tinubu, Obi, Atiku’s 2027 ambition shaky as Reps pass bill for 60-year age limit for presidential, guber aspirants
The bill introducing the age limit for the presidency seeks to amend section 131 of the constitution and section 177 for the governorship position.
States
Abia SEMA, NEMA donate food items to fire victims
The executive secretary of SEMA, Sunday Jackson, said the gesture was intended “to cushion the effect of the fire on the victims.”
