The Coal City of Enugu came alive this week as it hosted the much-anticipated ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) Forum, drawing a distinguished gathering of policymakers, trade experts, business executives, and traditional leaders from across West Africa.
The event, themed “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through ETLS,” focused on deepening economic integration within the subregion and empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to become major players in regional commerce.
Held at the Enugu International Conference Centre, the venue was packed to capacity, with an overflow of participants eager to engage in the discussions.
The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory, featuring insightful keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and rich cultural performances that showcased the diversity and unity of the West African community.
The programme was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Abuja ECOWAS National Unit) in partnership with the Government of Enugu State, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and regional cooperation through the ETLS platform.
Representing the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, called for a more inclusive financing mechanism for SMEs under the ECOWAS framework.
He urged both ECOWAS and the Federal Government to design support programmes that reduce dependence on commercial banks, thereby making it easier for local entrepreneurs to access funds and benefit from regional trade opportunities.
“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of economic development.
“They deserve direct access to financing and capacity-building initiatives that will enable them to compete favourably across West Africa, ” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s trade relations within the ECOWAS subregion.
She noted that the ETLS initiative remains a vital tool for removing barriers to trade and equipping SMEs to expand beyond national borders.
“The Ministry is committed to promoting economic diplomacy and trade facilitation by empowering SMEs to take advantage of the ETLS framework,” Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
“Through this scheme, we are opening pathways for Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive in the wider West African market, ” she added.
Stakeholders restated their commitment to enhance collaboration, streamline customs procedures, and build stronger value chains across the ECOWAS region, a move they described as a significant step toward achieving true economic integration in West Africa.
