Nigeria Deepens Regional Trade Ties as Officials Undergo ECOWAS Free Trade Training.
By Raymond Enoch
The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), introduced in 2018, was designed to facilitate seamless intra-community trade across West Africa.
As part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s role in regional commerce, key members of the National Committee for the Recognition of Community Origin (CNROC/NCCOR) have undergone training on the updated provisions of the scheme.
Organised by the ECOWAS Commission through its Customs Union and Taxation Directorate, the four-day “training of trainers” workshop was held from September 15–18, 2025, in Lagos. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Customs Service, NACCIMA, NAFDAC, SON, MANEG, and the NEPC.
Since its reform in 2018, the ETLS has introduced critical updates aimed at streamlining intra-regional trade. These include a 68% minimum value-added threshold for products, recognition of “neutral elements” in determining origin, an extended 12-month validity for proof of origin, and the introduction of the Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO). The concept of an “authorised exporter” was also added to simplify procedures for compliant firms.
The training covered all these key areas, including the classification of wholly obtained products, invoice declaration requirements, and practical case studies to enhance understanding and implementation.
At the end of the workshop, participants were awarded certificates of participation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to a more integrated, efficient, and competitive West African trade environment.
