The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on Friday sensitised staff on its role in facilitating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement’s implementation across Nigeria.
In his opening remarks in Abuja, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said implementation would include research, capacity building, policy engagement, curriculum development, and the presentation of a compendium on AfCFTA law, 2019–2025.
Sulaiman noted that NILDS was Nigeria’s premier legislative and democratic capacity-building institution mandated to strengthen governance through research, training, policy analysis, and support services provided to legislators across all levels of government.
He explained that AfCFTA presented Nigeria major opportunities by expanding market access, boosting intra-African trade, attracting investment, promoting innovation, and ultimately reducing poverty while enhancing economic growth and integration across the continent.
“On behalf of NILDS management and staff, I warmly welcome all participants, especially our virtual guests, joining this important engagement from diverse professional backgrounds across Nigeria and beyond.
“Today’s programme demonstrates NILDS’ commitment to advancing AfCFTA knowledge, launching Africa’s first AfCFTA Law and Policy Division, alongside a comprehensive compendium of AfCFTA legal instruments and policies.
“Within weeks, the Division achieved Africa’s first AfCFTA Law and Policy unit and a comprehensive legal compendium while building strategic regional and international partnerships to strengthen implementation frameworks,” Sulaiman said.
He wished participants productive deliberations and encouraged continued commitment to strengthening NILDS’ contributions to national development while advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area objectives across Africa.
Setting the tone for the event, Prof. Mohammed Ladan, Director of AfCFTA Law and Policy at NILDS, said the sensitisation aimed to equip staff with knowledge of the AfCFTA framework and NILDS’ implementation role.
Ladan emphasised that in implementing AfCFTA, NILDS staff would provide technical and legislative support while raising awareness on the AfCFTA framework to ensure effective coordination within Nigeria and across African states.
“The sensitisation event will afford staff understanding of NILDS’ specific role within the national implementation strategy, fostering technical capacity and ensuring inclusivity of relevant stakeholders in planning and execution.”
The Representative of the Nigeria Coordinating Office of AfCFTA, Dr Fatima Bello, commended NILDS for its continued efforts to ensure successful AfCFTA implementation in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of staff awareness of the legal framework.
In her welcome address, Dr Adejoke Akasanmi, Director of Training at NILDS, encouraged participants to approach the event with dedication, deepening their understanding of the AfCFTA legal framework and their contributions to policy implementation.
