Nigeria Rallies Public, Private and Press Sectors to Drive a Unified Push for AfCFTA Success

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister Industry, Trade and Investment with Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, the Permanent Secretary, FMITI during the inaugural AfCFTA Public–Private–Press (P3) Summit under the theme “AfCFTA Simplified: Seizing Opportunities for Government and Business to Win Together.” 

"The P3 Summit marks a significant step toward building a coordinated national approach that positions Nigeria at the centre of a thriving continental market. Through strengthened collaboration, shared responsibility, and transparent communication, Nigeria moves closer to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA for businesses, workers, and communities across the nation."

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in collaboration with the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC) and with support from Afreximbank and others convened the inaugural AfCFTA Public-Private-Press (P3) Summit under the theme “AfCFTA Simplified: Seizing Opportunities for Government and Business to Win Together.” 

The summit brought together key actors from government, industry, and the media to deepen national understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthen coordinated action toward effective implementation.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole Honourable Minister FMITI alongside the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu with the Permanent Secretary FMITI, Amb Nura Abba Rimi alongside other dignitaries at the official unveiling of two new Trade Intelligence Tools and the CCC National Action Plan Framework on Monday, 24 November 2025 at the AFREXIM Bank Headquarters in Abuja.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, welcomed participants and reflected on Nigeria’s steady progress in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through strengthened trade integration. 

She highlighted the shifting global economic climate of 2025 and emphasized that Nigeria is increasingly leveraging diversification, industrial capacity, and new continental opportunities.

The Minister described the AfCFTA as one of the world’s most ambitious economic integration projects, covering a $3.4 trillion market of 1.4 billion people; predominantly young, innovative, and entrepreneurial. She reaffirmed that Nigeria’s economic ambitions are inseparable from active participation in this continental marketplace, emphasizing that Africa retains more value when trading within the continent.

She noted Nigeria’s historical leadership in regional integration—from the Lagos Plan of Action to the Abuja Treaty—and reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to position Nigeria as a dynamic, competitive player in the AfCFTA era. Dr. Oduwole outlined milestones achieved throughout 2025, including Nigeria’s hosting of high-level AfCFTA engagements, the inauguration of the CCC, strides in digital trade leadership, national tariff concessions for AfCFTA goods, the launch of an air cargo export corridor, publication of a market intelligence tool for exporters, and Nigeria’s successful bid to host major continental trade events.

She further emphasized that the next phase requires detailed planning by all sectors. Government institutions will define responsibilities and adopt a performance barometer; the private sector will articulate pillars for Nigeria’s AfCFTA market strategy; and the Press will collaborate to ensure Nigerians receive accurate and constructive information. Dr. Oduwole stressed the need to diversify Nigeria’s export basket, expand services exports, improve regulatory alignment for investments, and support businesses with the technical capacity to scale across Africa. 

She concluded by urging all stakeholders to work in unity to build a One African Market that is “Made, Powered, and Led by Nigeria,” and officially unveiled two new Trade Intelligence Tools and the CCC National Action Plan Framework.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, described the summit as a landmark convergence of the three pillars of national transformation—public, private, and press. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s obligation and opportunity to lead AfCFTA implementation as Africa’s largest economy. He highlighted recent progress, including Nigeria’s first national implementation review, establishment of the CCC, the gazetting of tariff offers, improved customs capacity, extensive sensitization of the private sector and MSMEs, and reforms in special economic zones. He emphasized that AfCFTA offers unmatched opportunities for Nigerian industries, but requires policy alignment, strengthened collaboration, and effective public communication. He extended appreciation to development partners and acknowledged the private sector’s resilience and the media’s role in ensuring transparency.

Representing the public sector, the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, underscored the importance of coordinated structures and consistent commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation. He highlighted the need for clarity in responsibilities, better governance alignment, and practical solutions that reflect Nigeria’s national priorities. His remarks encouraged deeper engagement among all sectors toward achieving AfCFTA goals.

Speaking for the private sector, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, represented by Mr. Suleiman Adeboyo Audu, commended the organisers for creating a forum that unites the public, private, and press sectors. He reaffirmed the dedication of Nigeria’s private sector to advancing continental integration, driving investments, boosting industrialization, and strengthening regional value chains. 

He echoed the words of African leaders who championed unity, noting that while simplifying Africa’s largest free trade area is challenging, it is achievable through collective leadership and determination.

Representing the Press, Director News NTA, Dr. Halima Musa mni, expressed appreciation on behalf of the media for being recognised as core partners in AfCFTA implementation. She emphasized the importance of carrying the media along to ensure accurate, constructive national messaging and affirmed the Press’s readiness to support this agenda by providing Nigerians with clear and reliable information that reflects the vision of the Ministry and its partners.

The P3 Summit marks a significant step toward building a coordinated national approach that positions Nigeria at the centre of a thriving continental market. Through strengthened collaboration, shared responsibility, and transparent communication, Nigeria moves closer to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA for businesses, workers, and communities across the nation.

This is contained in a statement signed by Augustina Obilo-Duru, Head Press and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, FMITI.