ECOWAS TRADE LIBERATION SCHEME WORKSHOP: A STEP TOWARDS INTEGRATION

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, held a workshop today, October 28, 2025 at the International Conference Centre Enugu State, on the modalities for participation in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS). The one-day event, themed “Increasing Intra-regional Trade through ETLS,” brought together stakeholders from the South-East business community to educate them on the benefits and processes of the scheme
The event was kicked off by the moderator who introduced and welcomed the guests whom amongst them is the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mba as the chief host and the host of the event Hon.Amb Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu,the amicable Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs who gracefully emphasized on the importance of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme(ETLS) in promoting regional economic integration and promoting entrepreneurship among the citizens. She noted that Nigeria accounts for 36.1% of registered companies under the scheme, with 3,146 firms and over 6,000 products certified, including 800 companies and 419 products added in 2024 alone.
The workshop aimed to provide participants with a clear understanding of the rules of origin, certification processes, and eligibility criteria required to benefit from the ETLS. The Minister highlighted that the scheme allows for duty-free access to markets for products certified as originating within the ECOWAS region, which can help reduce dependency on imports, promote job creation, and increase intra-regional trade
The workshop also targeted Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), women in business, exporters, agro-processors, and members of business associations, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). In her remarks, the Minister expressed concern that many stakeholders, particularly SMEs and informal traders, were unaware of the scheme’s benefits and eligibility requirements. She emphasized that the effective implementation of the ETLS would attract entrepreneurs, promote job creation, and increase intra-regional trade.
Among the guest speakers is Mr Zacks Yohanna,FMIT&Iwho spoke mainly on collaboration as the benefits of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme ( ETLS) .He cited how Nigerians forget about Trust and concentrate mainly on money in their business. He said that business is not done by one person and with the help of ETLS, it will help with the increase of innovation, Access to information and Technology boost.
The question and answer was duly followed after the presentation by some of the noted guest such as Mary Ozowanji,Adekunle Obatimehin,Avworo Emmanuel and Zahradeen Mamman, Chudi-Anaukwu Chioma and Kadiri Haleemat amongst others.
The program was focused on the utilization of the ETLS, which has been underutilized due to lack of awareness and understanding of its benefits and processes among citizens in Nigeria and the South East
The event ended successfully with a vote of thanks by Amb.O.E Awe,Head of ECOWAS National Unit.