…calls on more state level participation as he commends HE Governor Usman Ododo Ahmed for his dedication to growing entrepreneurs in the state.
As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to take shape, the recent three-day training on Rules of Origin (RoO) has been described as a major breakthrough for Nigerian small businesses, especially those seeking to expand into export markets. Speaking on behalf of small business owners in Kogi State, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Kogi State Chapter Alh Umar Ahmed Enesi, praised the initiative and pledged to take the knowledge back home to empower local entrepreneurs.
The training, organized by the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office with support from the Nigeria Customs Service and the EU-World Customs Organization (WCO) Origin for Africa Programme, was designed to build national capacity on the AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin key rules that determine which goods can enjoy duty-free status across African countries.
According to Umar Ahmed, who was nominated to attend the workshop, the sessions were practical, enlightening, and timely.
“This training has opened my eyes to how small businesses in Kogi can benefit from AfCFTA. I now understand what makes a product truly ‘Made in Africa’ and how we can prepare our entrepreneurs to take full advantage of duty-free trade across the continent,” he said.
What Are Rules of Origin (RoO)?
RoO are the guidelines that decide the “economic nationality” of a product. Under the AfCFTA, only products that meet certain origin requirements are allowed to move across borders duty-free. For local producers in Kogi and across Nigeria, understanding these rules is essential to accessing new markets across Africa.
Benefits for Local Businesses
The NASME Chairman explained that with the right application of RoO, local businesses in Kogi and beyond can benefit from:
- Increased trade within Africa
- Growth in local production and regional value chains
- Creation of more jobs through manufacturing and exports
He noted that the training included detailed sessions on how to certify products, how customs officers will verify origin, and how to avoid costly mistakes when exporting.
“I now have the tools to step down this training in Kogi. We will organize workshops for export-ready entrepreneurs and guide them step-by-step so they are confident and compliant,” he said.
A Step Towards President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
The workshop aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote trade, job creation, and inclusive growth. By training 3 million Nigerian businesses on AfCFTA RoO, the government is building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s success in continental trade.
Strong Support and Partnerships
The sessions were led by Faith Mathenge, Program Officer at the EU-WCO “Origin for Africa” Programme, with strong support from the Nigeria Customs Service and officials like DCG C.K. Niagwan and Mr. Olusegun Olutayo of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office.
The Kogi NASME Chairman concluded by thanking the organizers for the opportunity and called on more state-level participation, while commending the Governor of Kogi State, HE Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for his wonderful strides and dedication to growing entrepreneurs in Kogi State.
“This is not just a training; it’s a transformation. If we get the Rules of Origin right, Kogi State can become a hub for high-quality exports into Africa. I’m ready to work with our entrepreneurs to make that happen.”
As AfCFTA continues to roll out, capacity building like this will be critical to turning free trade promises into real economic gains for Nigerians, especially those in the SME sector.