— Workshop to Promote Intra-Regional Trade, Create Jobs
The business community in the South East geopolitical zone is set to converge on Enugu on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, for a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
The sensitisation programme, which will take place at the International Conference Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, is being organised by the ECOWAS National Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Enugu State Government.
According to a statement by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the workshop aims to deepen understanding of the ETLS, promote intra-regional trade, and help stakeholders leverage the benefits of the scheme for economic growth.
“The ETLS, established in 1979 as a key instrument for regional integration, allows duty-free access to markets for products certified as originating within the ECOWAS region. It is designed to reduce dependency on imports, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote job creation across member states”.
Dr. Eze disclosed that Nigeria accounts for 36.1% of the total number of registered companies under the ETLS, with 3,146 companies and over 6,000 certified products currently on record. In 2024 alone, 800 companies and 419 products were registered under the scheme.
Despite its potential, the ETLS remains largely underutilized, he noted, attributing this to a lack of awareness among stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), traders, and public sector players, about its benefits and implementation processes.
“The objective of the Enugu sensitization programme is to create awareness among key stakeholders on the benefits of ETLS, such as duty-free access and the elimination of non-tariff barriers,” Eze said. “It will also equip participants with knowledge on rules of origin, certification procedures, and eligibility criteria.”
He added that the training would guide stakeholders on proper documentation and compliance with ECOWAS regulations, with the overall goal of boosting intra-regional trade—particularly among SMEs and informal traders.
The Ministry further emphasized that processing of ETLS applications in Nigeria is free, urging entrepreneurs and exporters to take advantage of the opportunity to expand their markets within West Africa.
Expected participants at the event include members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Women in Business, exporters’ clubs, agro-processors, and other private sector operators.
The workshop, themed “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme,” will have Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, as Chief Host, while the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will serve as the Host.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders in the South East to attend and seize the opportunity to learn how to export their products duty-free to other West African countries.
