The Government of Nigeria has supported the recommendations set forth by the Committee of Senior Trade Officials, which endorsed Nigeria's dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure across all State Parties while emphasizing the importance of robust personal data protection provisions to foster trust and prevent cyber crimes and fraud.
This took place at the fifteenth meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), between 9th – 10th November 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) represented the country at the 15th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade.
According to a statement by Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, the Minister said "Nigeria fully supports the recommendations of the Committee of Senior Trade Officials.
"We recognize and underscore the value of leveraging digital infrastructure across State Parties while considering the need for strong provisions on the protection of personal data, to build trust amongst ourselves and prevent fraud and cyber-crimes." she added
Nigeria acknowledged the significant strides made with the Protocol on Digital Trade, which offers pragmatic rules designed to drive digital transformation across the continent.
This protocol, the statement said, is set to bolster the growth and utilization of African digital platforms and computing facilities by African-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within State Parties.
"The Protocol on Digital Trade has provided strong and pragmatic rules that will not only promote digital transformation on the continent but also support the growth and use of African digital platforms and computing facilities, within State Parties, by African-owned small and medium enterprises," the Minister stated.
The Minister joined other delegations in commending the diligent efforts of the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials.
Their hard work, she noted, has ensured the timely delivery of the Annexes, paving the way for the seamless operationalization of the new protocol.
"I wish to join other delegations in appreciating the enormous work done by the Secretariat, Committee on Digital Trade, and Senior Trade Officials, which has enabled us to deliver the Annexes within the approved timeframe," the Minister said.
"This will, no doubt, ensure that the seamless operationalization of the new protocol will serve as a catalyst for economic development by increasing trade, creating jobs, and reducing poverty, as well as optimizing the industrial structure of the continent."