By Gladys A. Ekpo-Ita
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Cross River State Office recently took part in a significant discussion organized by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).
The event, which also included key agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigerian Customs Service, focused on streamlining the onboarding process for exporters to the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) under AFCFTA.
Expert presenters provided in-depth insights into the AFCFTA/GTI, covering topics like the gazetting process and rules of engagement for issuing certificates of origin. Dr. Abigail Duke, the Hon. Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, underscored the urgency of expediting the AFCFTA implementation, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s launch of Nigeria’s participation in the GTI on July 16, 2024.
Mr. Obot, Acting State Coordinator of RMRDC in Calabar, conveyed the commitment of the Director General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, to employ global best practices in the identification and sourcing of raw materials with a comparative advantage in Cross River State.
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He also highlighted the challenges exporters face in securing certifications in Nigeria.
The event concluded with the NEPC urging all stakeholders to collaborate in supporting exporters and industrialists to fully benefit from AFCFTA/GTI.
