Nigeria, ECOWAS sensitise business community in Kano on trade liberalisation
By Tanko Mohammed
The ECOWAS National Unit of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun a campaign to sensitise manufacturers, entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kano State on the implications and opportunities of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
Mr Joseph Oyi, Head, ECOWAS National Unit, told newsmen on the sideline of a one-day ETLS sensitisation exercise in Kano that the scheme provided opportunities for development of regional trade among member states.
According to him, the sensitisation exercise is being organised in collaboration between the ECOWAS National Unit, National Approval Committtee (NAC), and Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA).
“The sensitisation is aimed at creating awareness among manufacturers, entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kano and Northwest region to drive maximum benefit of the scheme.
“ETLS will give them opportunity to export their products to other West African States without payment of duties.
“The scheme encourages intra-regional trade which boosts the economy of the sub region and combats capital flight.”
Oyi said the scheme was designed to promote locally manufactured goods and pave way for quality made- in- Nigeria products to compete with that of other member states.
The scheme, he said, encourages entrepreneurial development and creates larger market for Nigerian products as well as serves as a source of foreign exchange, job and wealth creation.
He said the objectives of the scheme could be achieved through elimination of customs duties, removal of non-tariff barriers and establishment of common customs external tariff barriers to protect goods produced in member states in accordance with the Article 3 of the Revised Treaty.
Oyi said that Nigeria had set up the NAC to fast track implementation of the ETLS which is being coordinated by nine-line ministries.
The ECOWAS official said the commission had evolved proactive regulatory framework to guide the ETLS implementation.
“That part of the regulations is to ensure that the products come from member states.
“At least 60 per cent local content of products, 30 per cent value addition and compliance with operational procedures,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Usman Darma, KACCIMA Deputy Chairman, described the ETLS as critical to the sustainable industrial growth in the state.
Darma said the scheme would avail manufacturers and businesses the opportunities to demystify their operations, deal with trade barriers, provide job opportunities and enhance wealth creation.
He said the chamber would partner relevant agencies to enhance effective utilisation of the ETLS for sustainable social and economic development.
No fewer than 100 participants drawn from industries and businesses attended the exercise.
ETLS is a trade instrument designed by the regional economic community to boost intra-regional trade among member states.
The scheme offers unhindered access to the 15 member states and promotes business activities.
The states include Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra-Leone, Togo, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.