Officials outline AfCFTA-led cooperation, AfDB’s $55bn infrastructure spend, and next steps on standards, corridors and policy alignment.
Trilateral Trade Workshop in Abuja
The African Development Bank (AfDB), working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, launched a two-day technical workshop at the AfDB office in Abuja to strengthen trade cooperation among Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon. Vanguard identifies the event as a Technical Workshop on “Support to Trade Cooperation among Nigeria, Republic of Benin and Cameroun [sp.],” according to Nigerian Ambassador Nura Rimi and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Nigeria’s Message: Scale Intra-African Trade
Rimi, represented by Mohammed Abbas, reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance: “In these times wherein the global trade architecture is being tested, Nigeria is committed to scaling up intra-African trade, and especially the full and beneficial implementation of the AfCFTA. Trade among ourselves presents a unique and strategic pathway to shared prosperity.”
AfDB’s Position and Investment Footprint
AfDB Nigeria Country Department Director-General Dr. Abdul Kamara, represented by Regional Integration Coordinator Ometere Omoluabi-Davies, said the meeting “aligns with the continental priorities of deepening trade integration, accelerating the development of trade-enabling infrastructure, and policy harmonization.” He added: “Combining one-stop border posts with value chain initiatives such as special economic zones along key transport corridors will ensure efficient use of resources for greater results.”
According to reports, Kamara urged Benin to consider ratifying the AfCFTA and applauded its recent port expansion for positioning the country as a trade-facilitating gateway. He also highlighted Cameroon’s role via the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative and said: “To date, the Bank has invested more than 55 billion dollars in trade-enabling infrastructure… It is our hope that this strategic engagement will culminate in the development and submission of a joint project proposal by the three countries under the Regional Operations Envelope (ROE).”
Operational Hurdles and Corridor Gains
From Cameroon’s side, Cham Bama, Technical Adviser and Coordinator of AfCFTA Implementation, stressed execution: “Free trade agreements are not self-executed. They must be translated into concrete action by robust operational mechanisms and coordinated effort from all stakeholders.” He cited the AfDB-backed Bamenda–Enugu Corridor: “Before this infrastructure, movement from Bamenda to Enugu took six days. Today, it is done in four hours.” He also flagged “certification hurdles” for imports into Nigeria and a lack of “documented warehouses” among many businesses.
What’s Next?
Officials expect the workshop to yield practical steps that deepen and refine trading mechanisms. Vanguard quotes Kamara’s hope that a joint project proposal will emerge under the AfDB’s Regional Operations Envelope—intended to unlock market opportunities and promote a coordinated approach to regional trade agreements and AfCFTA implementation.
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