Nigeria Cuts AfCFTA Certificate Processing to 24 Hours

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant reduction in the processing time for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Certificates of Origin from over five days to just 24 hours. This change aims to boost intra-African trade and facilitate business for Nigerian exporters.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 Third Quarter meeting of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee. Oduwole emphasized that Nigerian goods are competitive and in high demand across the continent, citing a recent trade mission to Botswana where CSO Fashion Academy received an order for 6,000 T-shirts.

She noted that perceptions of Nigerian goods being uncompetitive are unfounded, as Nigerian entrepreneurs are thriving in Africa. The minister also mentioned that Nigeria's non-oil exports have seen substantial growth, with a survey indicating high demand for products like shea butter and plantain chips.

To support exports, Nigeria established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Air last year and added another airline this year.