By Amina Isa Ahmad
The Director of the Division of AfCFTA Law and Policy (DALP) in the Office of the Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democracy Studies (NILDS), National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, has stressed the importance of equipping NILDS staff with the knowledge of the AfCFTA framework to effectively support national implementation.
In a remark titled “Setting The Tone: Why We Are Here Today” at the First Sensitisation Programme on the Role of NILDS in facilitating national implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and its associated 8 Protocols, Professor Ladan emphasized that the AfCFTA framework is member state driven, but led by the private sector to achieve its goals.
He explained that the AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market, boost intra-African trade, connect about 1.3 billion people across the continent, lift millions out of poverty, attract investment, protect intellectual property rights, regulate anti-competitive practices in business, and ensure inclusivity of women and youth in trade.
Professor Ladan stated that the programme aims to equip NILDS staff with the knowledge of the AfCFTA framework and NILDS’ role in national implementation strategy, enabling them to provide effective technical and legislative support.
He outlined the specific objectives of the programme, including raising awareness of the AfCFTA key instruments and locating the role of each department and unit at NILDS, particularly the Department of Studies, Economic and Social Research, Legislative Support Services, Democracy and Governance, Training and International Cooperation, as well as units like Gender and Inclusivity, ICT and Information.
According to Professor Ladan, the programme will foster technical capacity and ensure inclusivity of relevant stakeholders, ultimately supporting Nigeria’s implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and its associated Protocols.
He expressed hope that the programme will achieve its objectives, which include enhancing the capacity of NILDS staff to contribute to the national implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement and its associated Protocols.