The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s export-driven growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area, announcing opportunities for businesses to access a $1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility aimed at strengthening production, competitiveness, and intra-African trade.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made this known on Tuesday during the second quarter 2026 meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in Abuja.

In a statement by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Obilor-Duru Okechi, she noted that the facility presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian firms to scale operations, upgrade production systems, and expand exports across African markets.

The statement partly read, “‎The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s export-led growth agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area, unveiling opportunities for businesses to access a US$1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility aimed at boosting production, competitiveness, and intra-African trade.”

She observed that, despite Nigeria’s progress in implementing the continental trade agreement, many local businesses still encounter challenges that hinder their ability to fully benefit from the single African market.

“Many businesses still face challenges relating to export documentation, certification, standards compliance and market access,” the minister said.

She explained that the Federal Government is working to address these bottlenecks through improved trade facilitation measures, simplified AfCFTA guidance tools, stakeholder engagement programmes, and closer collaboration with agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Oduwole also emphasised the need to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework through the domestication of key AfCFTA protocols, particularly the Digital Trade Protocol, in order to position the country as a leading player in Africa’s expanding digital economy.

The minister also outlined key gains recorded in Nigeria’s AfCFTA implementation efforts.

She noted that the expansion of the Air Cargo Corridor Initiative to Rwanda, increased collaboration with development partners and private sector stakeholders, and sustained engagement with state governments were helping to broaden awareness and deepen participation in the continental market.

In her welcome remarks and first-quarter update, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mrs Patience Okala, congratulated Oduwole on her recent appointment as Chair of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers.

Okala disclosed that recent AfCFTA sensitisation programmes held in Kano attracted over 470 businesses, with strong participation from women-led enterprises.

She added that the newly introduced AfCFTA ABC Series is providing businesses with practical knowledge on export procedures and helping them better understand how to access opportunities within the continental market.

“‎The recent AfCFTA sensitisation engagements in Kano attracted more than 470 businesses, including strong participation by women-led enterprises. The newly launched AfCFTA ABC Series is helping businesses better understand export procedures and take advantage of opportunities within the continental market”, the statement added.