The National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has entered a new partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation to expand cross-border agricultural trade and strengthen regional integration across West Africa.
The partnership was launched under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme, which focuses on improving market access, strengthening value chains, and raising the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises. NACCIMA said agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for more than a quarter of national output, yet export levels remain weak.
The council said the new programme positions it to confront long-standing constraints by building the capacity of agribusinesses to meet regional standards and overcome non-tariff barriers. It said regional food trade is a major source of income for producers and small traders, and that Nigeria’s participation must expand if the sector is to reach its full potential.
The Director General of the chamber said the ECOWAS market represents more than 400 million consumers, but Nigerian producers still face finance limits, infrastructure gaps and inconsistent border conditions. He said the EAT initiative will deliver training, improve access to trade information and support SMEs seeking to scale.
GIZ said the programme, funded by the German government and implemented with the ECOWAS Commission, covers five West African countries and targets improved customs procedures, food inspections and logistics for small-scale traders. It noted that regional food trade is worth about $10 billion annually with significant untapped opportunities.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council said the collaboration creates a structured link between producers, processors, exporters and regulators, and will support wider participation in agricultural value chains. It described the initiative as timely for a region seeking stronger food security and broader economic growth.
