Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria is in the process of harmonising its laws to make cross-border commerce more seamless, secure, and scalable. Shettima made this statement on Monday during the inauguration of the oversight committee for the Fourth African Union (AU) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu recently gave his approval for the committee to organise the AU MSME Forum, which is scheduled to be held in Abuja from June 23 to 27. Shettima emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to leading the transformation of Africa’s digital trade landscape. He highlighted the government’s efforts in reforming policies, investing in necessary infrastructure, and its resolve to see these changes through.
Shettima stressed the importance of the upcoming forum, describing it as a vital blueprint for empowering African MSMEs, which he sees as the driving force behind economic renewal. He pointed out that the administration has taken significant steps to build digital infrastructure aimed at connecting MSMEs across Africa. With more than 83 percent of employment on the continent within the informal sector, Africa is poised for global competition due to its wealth of ideas and digital innovation.
The Vice-President also underlined Nigeria’s leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Negotiating Forum and the alignment of national policies on investment, digital trade, and competition. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk to support Nigerian entrepreneurs in exporting digital goods and services.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Chair of the organising committee, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, stated that the forum would serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on MSME development across Africa. Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, noted that Nigeria’s hosting of the event reflects growing international confidence in the country.
Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry and committee member, praised the administration for prioritising MSME growth, acknowledging their critical role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and national development. He assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the success of the event.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who serves as committee secretary, committed to delivering a world-class forum that echoes the Tinubu administration’s dedication. He confirmed that preparations are on schedule for the opening ceremony on June 23.