The Abia State Government in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Nigeria Secretariat, has began a formal procedures to ensure that entrepreneurs from the state take full advantage of the common market platform being put together through the AfCFTA.

This was made known after a technical meeting between the top officials of the National Secretariat of AfCFTA and the Special Adviser to Governor  Okezie Ikeazu, on Social Investment and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Chinenye Nwaogu, held on Tuesday, June 15 .

The AfCFTA team led by Francis Anatogu, the SSA to the President on Public Sector Matters and Secretary National Action Committee of AfCFTA committed to support the efforts of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to put made in Abia products on the continental map leveraging the opportunities AfCFTA offers.

Speaking, Mr Nwaogu informed the team that from inception in 2015, Governor Ikpeazu has been deliberate in his efforts to grow the MSME ecosystem in Abia State leveraging every available platform and structure, adding that the success of the Made in Aba products promotional campaign was possible because of the personal commitment and huge political backing offered the programme by the Governor.

He further stated that under Governor Ikpeazu, Abia entrepreneurs have enjoyed tremendous goodwill and publicity nationally and globally.

Nwogu maintained that Abia remains the state to watch as the continent begins the process of creating a common market for Africans to trade without encumbrances.

He assured the National Action Committee that Abia entrepreneurs will make Nigeria proud and will provide the launching pad for the country’s effective participation in the continental programme.

Mr Nwaogu who informed his hosts further that already Abia entrepreneurs have been invited and sponsored in previous continental trade fairs a primer for the activation of AfCFTA said the state government was poised to establish its leadership role in trade and commerce.

The Secretary of the National Action Committee and SSA to the President FRN on Public Sector Matters Francis Anatogu said the NAC-AfCTA was very impressed with the progress of Abia State Government on the issue.

He opined that whole nation have watched with pride how Governor Ikpeazu has brought tremendous publicity and attention to Made in Aba products through his numerous supportive actions and branding activities. He stated that the Governor through his actions has reversed the dwindling market strength and notoriety of Made in Aba products to now become a thing of National pride. He continued ‘we have been following media reports of the efforts of the Governor to put Abia products of the global map, a feat that should be supported and commended by all well-meaning Nigerians.”

The meeting which was held in Abuja at the national Secretariat of NAC-AfCFTA will continue in Abia with engagement of critical stakeholders.