Nigeria takes steps to effect AGOA

Nigeria has begun the implementation strategy to ensure that non-oil products are  duly accepted in the U. S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The products that are being considered for export under AGOA include sesame seed, cashew, tomatoes, oranges, cassava, spices and ginger.
Others are Shea butter, cow pea, banana, plantain, cement, clinker, leather and articles of leather, arts and handicrafts, specialty foods and cocoa.
Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, the Deputy Director, Trade  Department, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,  made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
Abubakar said that the Minister, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah had given a directive to have the document as a fall-out from the AGOA forum that took place in the U.S. in July.
The U.S. congress signed AGOA into law on May 18, 2000 as a trade programme meant to establish stronger commercial ties between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa.
The act establishes a preferential trade agreement between the U.S. and selected countries in the sub-Saharan region.
Initially approved for 15 years, AGOA was reauthorised for ten years on June 25, 2015, by the ex-President Barak Obama’s administration.
In its current form, AGOA will last until Sept. 30, 2025.
He explained that for Nigeria’s non oil products to be accepted, the standards must meet the requirements of U.S.
He said that it was important to have  relevant stakeholders in the industry to meet and discuss the outcome of 2018 AGOA forum in the U.S. and get their inputs on the implementation plan.
According to him, the minister is expecting the action plan as quickly as possible with a view to making a remarkable progress in  exporting non-oil products to the U.S.
The deputy director disclosed that governments were tasked during the forum in the U.S .to assist AGOA eligible countries in putting in place an effective and efficient mechanism for capacity building at the national and regional levels to maximise its utilisation.
He said that the governments were also enjoined to open discussion on non tariff barriers affecting AGOA exports such as the lengthy registration process for consignment.
Abubakar stated that the forum also charged governments to put in place the relevant incentives/measures to attract and increase U.S. private investments in Africa with a view to accelerating the industrialisation and diversification of African economies and exports.