Nigeria Champions Regional Integration with ETLS Workshop in Enugu
Oru LeonardÂ
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, recently organized a sensitization workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. The workshop aimed to promote intra-regional trade, empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and deepen regional integration
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described ETLS as a “strategic pillar of West Africa’s integration agenda” that complements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The workshop focused on equipping SMEs with the knowledge, skills, and networks to access the wider West African market and enhance their competitiveness.
The event emphasized the importance of regional integration in promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
The Minister commended Enugu State’s leadership in fostering innovation and enterprise, citing it as a model for aligning local dynamism with continental ambitions.
Benefits of ETLS include:
– Duty-Free Access: ETLS provides duty-free access to markets for products certified as originating within the ECOWAS region.
– Increased Trade: The scheme aims to promote intra-regional trade, reduce dependency on imports, and encourage entrepreneurship.
– Job Creation: Effective implementation of ETLS is expected to promote job creation and economic growth.
Nigeria’s has pledged coommitment as Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting regional integration and trade facilitation.
In addition Nigeria through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to prioritize economic diplomacy and trade facilitation as key aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
