President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening intra-African trade through digital commerce, saying the country will work closely with other African nations to remove trade barriers, promote value addition and position the continent for greater competitiveness in the global economy.
In a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, on Wednesday, the President welcomed policymakers, investors, innovators, entrepreneurs and private sector leaders to Lagos for the 2026 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum.
Tinubu said Africa has reached a critical stage where continental agreements must translate into tangible economic opportunities that improve the lives of citizens.
“This year’s Forum, themed ‘Digital Trade for a Connected African Market,’ comes at a defining moment. Africa must now move from aspiration to execution, and from agreements on paper to prosperity in the lives of our people,” he said.
The President noted that Nigeria is proud to serve as one of Africa’s AfCFTA Digital Trade Champions, adding that the country is backing that role with practical reforms to accelerate trade and economic integration.
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He identified the National Single Window as a key pillar of the administration’s trade facilitation agenda, explaining that the platform will simplify cross-border trade by reducing delays, improving regulatory compliance, lowering transaction costs and supporting importers, exporters, manufacturers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Tinubu also highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’Odogwu platform, describing it as a major step towards modernising customs administration through improved revenue assurance, faster cargo clearance and more efficient border operations.
According to him, the reforms are part of a broader digital public infrastructure programme covering digital identity, interoperable payment systems, data governance and digital platforms that will enable Nigerian businesses to access both African and global markets.
The President further revealed that Nigeria, alongside Morocco and Kenya, is piloting the AfCFTA’s ADAPT framework, an initiative designed to connect national trade systems across the continent and accelerate implementation of the free trade agreement.
“The AfCFTA gives Africa the market. Digital trade gives that market speed, scale and reach,” Tinubu stated.
He expressed confidence that digital trade will shape Africa’s economic future, pledging that Nigeria will continue collaborating with other African countries to expand intra-African commerce, promote value addition and build a more competitive continental economy.
