The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, is set to host the South-East edition of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) sensitisation workshop on Monday, October 28, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

 

The workshop is designed to enlighten business owners, SMEs, and exporters in the region on the vast benefits of the ETLS, including duty-free access to markets across West Africa, as part of efforts to strengthen regional trade integration and economic growth.

 

Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged entrepreneurs in the South-East to seize the opportunity to expand their operations beyond Nigeria’s borders through the ECOWAS framework.

 

She noted that the sensitisation program will provide participants with practical knowledge on eligibility requirements, certification processes, and rules of origin, enabling them to fully benefit from the trade scheme.

 

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, will serve as the Chief Host, while Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu will officially declare the workshop open.

 

The ETLS remains one of ECOWAS’s flagship initiatives aimed at promoting free movement of goods and services across member states, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing industrial competitiveness within the subregion.

 

Tomorrow is Here — Enugu continues to lead in driving innovation, trade, and economic inclusion across

West Africa.