Nigeria to Lead Africa in Free Trade Negotiations

• Nigeria to Lead Africa in Free Trade Negotiations

The negotiating forum for the Continental Free Trade Area for Africa has elected the Trade Adviser to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, as its chairman to lead the trade negotiations for the continent.

A statement on Wednesday from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said Osakwe was elected as the Chairman of the 54-member Negotiating Forum in Niamey, Niger, on June 5, during the sixth cycle of the negotiations for the CFTA.

It said the election of Osakwe puts Nigeria at the forefront of the negotiations, where it is expected to show leadership to drive the CFTA to conclusion.