On April 15, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) officially announced Nigeria’s submission of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) as its tariff schedule under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This strategic move confirms Nigeria’s readiness to fully participate in the AfCFTA and sets the stage for deeper intra-African trade. By aligning with the ECOWAS CET, Nigeria has adopted a harmonised tariff regime that will apply to trade within the AfCFTA, reinforcing its commitment to regional economic cooperation and market liberalisation.

This development presents a valuable window for businesses to optimise their trade operations, reassess their trade strategies and explore new markets under preferential terms.

With the right legal and strategic guidance, businesses can leverage this framework for business expansion and partnerships across Africa, improved foreign market access with reduced tariff burdens, and expanded regional supply chains, ultimately increasing revenue.

You may contact our trade desk at [email protected] for further information on the AfCFTA.