FG Moves To Drive Trade Reforms and Industrialization in Nigeria ..... As Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to Partners with Trademark Africa

The Perm. Sec. FMITI Amb. Nura Abba Rimi (right), in a hand shake with the CEO Trademark Africa, Mr David Beer (left), during a work visit to the Ministry.

In a strategic move to strengthen trade reforms, promote industrialization, and expand Nigeria’s access to global markets, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment FMITI is set to collaborate with Trademark Africa (TMA) and its commercial arm, Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA).

This proposed partnership in commercial borrowings, will support medium- and small-scale enterprises, as the firm has done in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. This will ensure greater support to striving MSMEs to assess the benefits accruing from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A statement from the ministry, signed by Dr. Adebayo Thomas, Director Press and Public Relations Department revealed.

"This milestone partnership, when formalised further boosts trading and the exports of made-in-Nigeria Products within Nigeria and the African continent." The statement read.

The Perm. Sec. FMITI, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, with the members of  FMITI team by the right, and the CEO Trademark Africa, Mr David Beer (4th left) and the members of the Trademark Africa team by the left, in a group photograph during a work visit to FMITI in Abuja.

According to the statement, "the TMA team was received at the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and investment on late Friday (March 21st 2025) by Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of FMITI.

Amb. Nura Abba Rimi while welcoming the TMA Team, said the proposed initiatives “aimed at improving trade efficiency, increasing investment opportunities, and fostering regional integration across Nigeria and the African continent."

Ambassador Rimi, who spoke on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR, highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing the ease of doing business and modernizing trade policies. He cited notable achievements, such as the digitization of customs processes and the development of a new National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy. 

Ambassador Rimi expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “This collaboration will significantly step up and advance trade efficiency and enable Nigerian businesses to thrive in the global market space.”

The CEO Trademark Africa, Mr David Beer (1st right) , the Deputy CEO Trademark Africa, Ms. Allen Asiimwe(2nd right), Board Director Trademark Africa, Dr. David Luke (2nd left), and Director West Africa &AFCFTA, Harriet Gayi (1st left), during a work visit to the Perm Sec. FMITI.

Strategic Investments and Reforms

TMA and its partners have invested over $1.5 billion across Africa to support transformative projects in infrastructure, transportation, and trade systems. The organization’s commercial arm, TCA, focuses on mobilizing funding to drive trade reforms in areas such as border post efficiency, customs modernization, and digital trade.

Focus on Intellectual Property and Agricultural Protection

Nigeria is advancing its National IP Policy to align with global standards and promote geographical indication (GI) laws that protect unique agricultural products such as aloe vera and yellow pepper. Barr. Adamu Yauri, Director of the Trademarks Department, emphasized that robust IP frameworks are essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian goods and attracting foreign investment.

Regional Integration and Digital Trade

Allen Asiimwe, Deputy Chief of Program at TMA, underscored the importance of digital trade strategies in creating accessible trade environments, particularly for small-scale businesses and traders. She highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting green trade and addressing logistical challenges in cross-border transportation. TMA’s commitment to expanding partnerships in Nigeria and West Africa is evidenced by the recent establishment of regional offices and collaborations with ECOWAS to address trade barriers.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration through governance structures and oversight committees, ensuring the effective implementation of joint initiatives. This partnership is poised to enhance Nigeria’s economic standing, bolster trade efficiency, and contribute significantly to sustainable development across Africa.