By Waziri Isa Adam Gwantu
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, on Monday opened its Advanced Certificate Course in AfCFTA Law/International Trade Law, with the Coordinating Director of the AfCFTA Law and Policy Programme Division, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, setting out the course’s rationale and strategic goals.
Speaking during the context-setting session at NILDS headquarters, Abuja, Prof. Ladan explained why the Institute, in partnership with the International Law Association (ILA), is running the four-day intensive programme from April 13–16, 2026.
He said, “The NILDS-ILA Advanced Certificate Course in AfCFTA Law/International Trade Law Abuja) aims to equip stakeholders with specialized knowledge to navigate the African Continental Free Trade Area’s legal framework. It focuses on practical implementation, fostering, and leveraging AfCFTA for economic growth.”
Prof. Ladan outlined the justification for the course under three pillars.
“The Why and Justification, Strategic Need: To strengthen legal, policy, and legislative capacity to harness the full potential of the AfCFTA,” he said.
He identified a critical obstacle to Nigeria’s trade ambitions: “Implementation Gap: To bridge the gap between signing the AfCFTA treaty and its effective domestic application in Nigeria, boosting intra-African trade, industrialization, and investment.”
On capacity development, he added: “Capacity Building: To provide practical, specialized knowledge to policymakers, legislators, and legal practitioners.”
The Coordinating Director then listed the course objectives.
“Objectives: Specialized Knowledge/Train stakeholders on the legal, regulatory, and policy aspects of AfCFTA. Skill Acquisition: Develop skills for negotiating win-win trade instruments. Research Capacity: Introduce participants to primary sources, arbitral decisions, and electronic tools in international trade law. Networking: Engage with experts and peers, including participation in the ILA Conference 2026.”
Detailing the curriculum, Prof. Ladan said the scope is comprehensive: “Scope:- The course covers Core principles of international trade law, AfCFTA Legal Framework: Protocol on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, and Dispute Settlement, Investment, Competition, IPR, digital trade, Women and youth in trade, Current trade policy trends and regulatory compliance Dispute resolution and investment protection.”
He noted that by the end of the training, participants are expected to deliver tangible outcomes: “Expected Outcomes:- Participants will possess the expertise to draft and implement effective AfCFTA policies. Enhanced capacity to manage international trade negotiations and disputes. Increased understanding of practical strategies for maximizing AfCFTA benefits.”
On delivery, Prof. Ladan emphasized an applied approach: “Methodology /Duration: Four days (April 13-16, 2026). Approach: Intensive, interactive, and structured with seven distinct modules that balance theory with practice. Activities: Case studies, analysis of legal instruments, and a final practical exercise.”
The course draws participants from the National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Customs Service, private legal practice, academia, and civil society. Sessions continue through Wednesday, April 16, with a simulation exercise on dispute settlement scheduled for the final day.