Reps Propose 13 Bills to Enhance Nigeria's Trade Environment

The House of Representatives has initiated legislative consideration of 13 commerce-related bills aimed at enhancing Nigeria's trade and commercial environment, with a primary focus on the domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. During a public hearing in Abuja, Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, stated that the proposed legislation seeks to improve the ease of doing business, eliminate regulatory bottlenecks, attract investments, and promote sustainable economic growth.

The bills align with the 10th House Legislative Agenda and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by fostering entrepreneurship, industrial growth, export expansion, and job creation. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the importance of the AfCFTA Domestication Bill for Nigeria to leverage the opportunities of the continental free trade agreement.

Hon. Ahmed Munir, Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, noted that the bills aim to modernize commercial laws and improve Nigeria's competitiveness in trade.