The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to strengthen its engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2026 by identifying at least one exportable product from each of the country’s 774 local government areas. The initiative aims to scale up production, boost non-oil exports, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness across the continent.

This plan forms a key part of the Nigeria AfCFTA Agenda 2026, building on progress recorded in 2025, and is designed to enable the country to fully leverage opportunities under the AfCFTA framework.

The initiative is overseen by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and operationalized through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee (CCC), in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders.

As part of the drive, the Ministry and the CCC will launch nationwide AfCFTA awareness and sensitisation campaigns, working with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and state governments to identify exportable products from each local government area.

Beyond production, the 2026 agenda emphasizes creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment for AfCFTA implementation, including regulatory alignment, business guidance on compliance, and improved institutional coordination.

Investment and industrial capacity development are also priorities, with efforts targeting increased production in key sectors to position Nigeria as an innovation, production, and distribution hub for the AfCFTA market.

Additionally, trade data systems will be upgraded to track AfCFTA flows, including participation by women and youth, while Nigeria plans to expand global advocacy and host key continental trade events ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027.