Bianca Ojukwu Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Boosting Regional Trade Through ECOWAS Scheme

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“The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, BIANCA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting economic diplomacy and trade facilitation by properly equipping small and medium enterprises, SMEs, through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ETLS to transcend local boundaries and embrace the wider West African market.

OJUKWU, who stated this today at a one-day sensitization workshop held in Enugu with the theme; “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ETLS”, and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja ECOWAS National Unit, described the initiative as timely, stressing that Nigeria’s leadership in regional trade must translate into opportunities for local entrepreneurs

In his speech, the Director of the ECOWAS National Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, OLAWALE EMMANUEL, called on business owners in the  Southeast to take full advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation scheme, explaining that it allows goods produced within ECOWAS member states to be traded freely without Customs duties.

Earlier, the Enugu state governor, PETER MBAH, represented by his deputy, IFEANYI OSSAI, urged ECOWAS and the federal government to design a financing program that supports small and medium enterprises—without depending on commercial banks, thereby ensuring Nigerians benefit from the  Scheme.

The workshop, brought together government officials, SME operators, trade experts, and business leaders from across the region to discuss strategies for boosting intra-regional trade and supporting local enterprises.”