…As Tinubu launches inaugural shipment in Apapa, Lagos
Ten Nigerian companies have received Certificates of Origin to begin export of made in Nigeria good to five African countries under the Guided Trade Initiative, GTI of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The ten companies which received their Certificates of Origin from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an event to mark Nigeria’s inaugural shipment under the Guided Trade Initiative, GTI/AfCFTA Framework held in Apapa port in Lagos on Tuesday include: Le Look Nigeria Limited, SecureID Limited, Dangote Cement and Avila Natural Nigeria Limited.
Others include: Ruchim Manufacturing and Investment Limited, Flour Mills Nigeria Limited, Craftmethods Nigeria Limited, Tolaram Group, Cardstel Solutions Limited, Insignia Prints Technology and Hwani Industries Nigeria Limited.
The ten Nigerian companies would be exporting their goods including bags, smart cards, Black soap, Native starch, alcoholic bitters, sim and bank cards as well as wrappers to five African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Cameroon and Algeria.
Speaking at the launch, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the bold steps taken by the companies which pioneered the initiative which he said demonstrated their believe in the potential of made in Nigeria products and immense opportunities that AfCFTA represented.
Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume observed that those trailblazing businesses had made history by taking the bold steps and setting precedent for others to follow adding that “their successes are our success and their journey is our journey.”
Noting that complacency was not an option in this new age of super and hyper competitiveness, he maintained that trade was inherently competitive, requiring innovation, efficiency and a relentless drive to excel. “Nigeria is ready to compete and win. Our strategic location, robust economic fundamentals and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit positioned us advantageously to leverage the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda strategy centres on providing opportunities for our people. Taking advantage of AfCFTA is a critical component of this strategy. We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian business from small and medium size enterprises to large corporations can benefit from this agreement. The government will continue to provide every necessary support to facilitate the effective implementation of AfCFTA above domestic, regional and continental levels.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to making AfCFTA a success. Let us seize this moment of opportunity, with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose as we embark on this journey together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every Nigerian benefits from this historic agreement. The journey to prosperity has just begun.
“The launch of the Guided Trade Initiative, we are taking a significant step forward. This initiative will catalyse increase intra-Africa trade, economic diversification and sustainable development. It will open new market for product enhanced competitiveness and create jobs for our people.
“Together, we can build a prosperous Africa where every nation has a fair share in its growth and development. An Africa where every citizen has access to opportunities that unlock his full potential. We can make this happen in our lifetime. It is now our duty to make it happen. Thank you for your attention and may our nation and continent continue to flourish”, the President said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Coordinator, National Coordinating Office on AfCFTA, Segun Awolowo remarked that the event marked the culmination of efforts which began a little over five years ago with the official signing of the AfCFTA agreement in Niamey, Niger even as he recalled that the National Action Committee on AfCFTA was charged with the mandate to actualize a vision for African trade where there’s free movement of made in Africa goods and services across the African continent.
“Today, having fulfilled all the requirements for ascension to the GTI, we stand as witness to the official flag off of trade under this potential trading agreement with this symbolic shipment of a container from Apapa port.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today will not be possible without a certain set of people and now, I am talking about our trailblazer AfCFTA exporters. Today, we celebrate their pioneering spirits gearing to trade from Nigeria to the continental market under this landmark initiative. They are ten in number and over the next few days, weeks and months, they will be exporting Nigerian products to five countries across east, central and north Africa. They will go by ship and they will go by air freight.
“These companies are indeed, setting a new standard for others to follow. They embodied the resilient, the innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Nigeria. I want to thank you all for putting your trust in us, you have indeed, opened up a vista of opportunities for other Nigerian businesses to leverage under the AfCFTA”, Awolowo stated.
He continued, “Let me remind you that the AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world both by area and by number of countries comprising of 54 countries that have signed up the agreement with the population of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of some 3.4 trillion dollars and change. In view of this, we must seize this opportunity to grow Nigeria’s production and productivity, building an army of exporters to be unleashed on the AfCFTA.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remain resolute in our collective efforts to make AfCFTA a success. Today’s launch is just the beginning, we are committed to building a robust framework that supports trade, fosters innovation and drives economic prosperity across Nigeria and Africa at large. I assure you, we Nigerians will harness the potential of AfCFTA to create a prosperous and integrated Africa.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Chairman of the National Coordination Office on AfCFTA, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite observed that the launch of the GTI in Nigeria further highlighted the commitment of this administration led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, towards boosting economic integration, regional cooperation and transformational power of trade.
“Let me use this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the efforts of everyone who worked tirelessly and contributed towards the development and implementation of this initiative. Your dedication and hard work are instrumental in driving this agenda forward towards the realization of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. I also wish to use this opportunity to appreciate our international partners for their continued support and collaboration”, she said.
Uzoka-Anite pointed out that the African Continental Free Trade Area represented a bold and visionary step towards creating a single market for goods and services, facilitating the movement of capital and people and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
She added that with the largest free trade area in the world comprising 54 countries and over 1.3 billion people, the AfCFTA holds immense promise for driving industrialization, economic diversification and job creation.
“With this, Nigeria has a golden opportunity to spring up new leaders in business, entrepreneurship and manufacturing heralding a new era in Nigeria’s economic landscape. The immense opportunities that AfCFTA holds for Nigeria and by extension, it holds the same promise for the entire African continent. We must all join hands to ensure that AfCFTA delivers for our people, driving sustainable growth and development. By launching the Guided Trade Initiative today, our goal is to operationalize the AfCFTA by providing practical support and guidance to businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Let me also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the first companies that will trade under this initiative from Nigeria. Congratulations! We recognize your exemplary efforts, your pioneering spirits and your resilience. Both of them are testament to the true strength of the Nigerian character and your success set a powerful example for other businesses to follow. Your achievements reflect the potential that lies within our nation and the boundless opportunities that AfCFTA presents”, the Minister said
Photo: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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