The Federal Government has launched simplified books and toolkits designed to enhance Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative aims to ease trade procedures and boost non-oil exports across the continent.
The new resources are available in English, Arabic, and Hausa, promoting inclusivity and preparing Nigerian businesses for continental trade opportunities. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, inaugurated the initiative in Kano during a public-private engagement on AfCFTA implementation.
Dr. Oduwole explained that the toolkits are intended to simplify complex trade rules, including rules of origin, customs procedures, standards compliance, and market entry requirements, with a specific focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
She emphasized that the initiative's goal is to make trade more practical and accessible by eliminating cumbersome export procedures. Regulatory agencies will be present in Kano to provide essential services such as business registration, product certification, and the issuance of certificates of origin for exporters.
Furthermore, plans are underway for live export simulations and hands-on training for businesses. The “One Local Government, One Export Product initiative” is also being introduced to promote grassroots production, with the aim of having each local government identify at least one exportable product.
Nigeria has recently achieved successes under the AfCFTA, including the inauguration of an air cargo corridor that reduced freight costs by approximately 75% on selected African routes. The Minister noted that Nigerian products, such as food items and textiles, are increasingly in demand across African markets.
In a related development, Nigeria is focusing on leveraging Intellectual Property (IP) to drive growth in its sports economy. Industry experts highlighted this at the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day celebration in Abuja, themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, stated that sports must evolve into a structured economic asset, encompassing media rights, branding, sponsorship, data, and technology, all underpinned by IP protection. He noted that Nigeria's challenge lies in identifying, protecting, and commercializing sports-related IP assets.
Dikko added that ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu aim to reposition sports as a contributor to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation. The Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy seeks to drive investment and secure sustainable financing, though challenges like weak IP awareness and poor rights documentation persist.
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang remarked that IP is the “invisible engine” powering global sports, connecting athlete performance with innovation, business, and global reach. He reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to using IP for global economic growth.
A panel discussion during the event explored how IP can unlock value in the sports business and media, emphasizing the need for improved legal frameworks, professional capacity, and stronger enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria’s sports sector. Panellists stressed the importance of educating athletes and administrators about the commercial value of their rights.
