ECOWAS Hosts 6th Regional Trade Facilitation Committee Meeting in Lagos
Published: May 21, 2025
Strengthening Economic Growth and Regional Integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is convening its sixth Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) meeting from May 20-22, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. This strategic gathering aligns with Pillar 3 of the ECOWAS Vision 2050, focusing on enhancing trade connectivity and economic integration across West Africa.
Key Objectives of the Meeting
The three-day summit brings together trade ministers, customs officials, private sector representatives, and regional stakeholders to:
- Assess implementation progress of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement reforms
- Address non-tariff barriers to regional trade
- Share best practices in trade facilitation
High-Level Participation and Remarks
Mr. Usman Abdullahi, representing Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended ECOWAS for supporting member states in trade facilitation reforms. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to boost regional trade growth amid global economic trends.
On behalf of Commissioner Massandjé Touré-Litse, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, ECOWAS Director of Trade, highlighted the significance of the meeting coinciding with ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary. He called for addressing implementation gaps and reducing trade costs to strengthen regional integration.
Mr. Brice Niangou Adou from TradeMark Africa (TMA) reinforced the organization’s partnership with ECOWAS, urging actionable recommendations to enhance regional trade systems.
Critical Agenda Items
Participants will examine:
- WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation status
- Border assessment findings from Sèmè-Krake (Benin-Nigeria) and Paga-Dakola (Ghana-Burkina Faso)
- Outcomes of the Technical Sub-Committee on Women in Trade
- Progress on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) resolution
About the RTFC
Established by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, the RTFC serves as an advisory body for trade facilitation instruments implementation. It promotes harmonized trade reforms across national, regional, and international levels, fostering economic development and integration.