The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen its engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area in 2026 by collaborating with state governors to pinpoint at least one exportable product from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

The initiative aims to scale up production, increase non-oil exports, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness across Africa.

Speaking on Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report 2025 under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole highlighted that Nigeria’s AfCFTA agenda for 2026 will build on the implementation milestones achieved in 2025.

She explained that the plan is designed to position the country to fully leverage opportunities under the continent-wide trade agreement.

Operationalised through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee, the Ministry will work with development partners from both the public and private sectors to drive nationwide production, while also conducting a comprehensive awareness and sensitisation campaign.

“FMITI will work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and State Governments to identify a minimum of one (1) product that each Local Government Area can export into the AfCFTA market,” the report stated.

In addition to expanding local production, the 2026 agenda prioritises creating a supportive policy and regulatory framework for the full implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols, with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment leading the regulatory alignment process.

Nigeria also plans to modernise its trade data systems to better track AfCFTA trade flows, including detailed information on goods, services, and participation by women and youth, while stepping up global advocacy and hosting major continental trade events ahead of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.

The report further details efforts to simplify AfCFTA rules and compliance requirements through targeted business publications, as well as measures to improve institutional coordination and accountability among public agencies involved in trade facilitation.