The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kogi State Government have organised a sensitisation workshop to educate businesses on opportunities available under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The one-day workshop, held at the Government House in Lokoja, brought together business associations, entrepreneurs and members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the North-Central region.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the initiative was designed to strengthen intra-regional trade, expand market access for Nigerian businesses and promote economic growth across West Africa.

He explained that the scheme provides opportunities for eligible businesses to process, package and sell their products in other ECOWAS member states, thereby opening access to a wider regional market.

Enikanolaiye described the programme as an important instrument for economic integration, urging participants to understand its requirements and take advantage of the opportunities available to local producers and entrepreneurs.

He also highlighted Kogi State’s agricultural and mineral resources, noting that the state has considerable potential to become a major centre for processing agricultural produce and mineral resources.

The minister commended Governor Usman Ododo for hosting the workshop, expressing optimism that the initiative would contribute to economic prosperity in Kogi and other states across the North-Central region.

Governor Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, said the state was committed to maximising its natural resources and strategic location to drive economic development.

He urged businesses and other participants to explore the opportunities offered by the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme to expand production, promote Nigerian-made products and strengthen the state’s economy.

The National President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry also commended the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to stimulate local trade and increase the visibility of Nigerian products across the region.

The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme is designed to facilitate trade among member states by providing qualifying products with preferential access to regional markets, encouraging production, investment and cross-border commerce.