The Federal Government on Monday expressed support towards the successful implementation World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair Programme (WCP) in Nigeria.
Speaking while hosting a delegation from the WTO and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the Center for the Programme, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said “We are going to have a very busy four years.
“For the ministry, we are particularly excited. It is like a New Year present for the Ambassador of Nigeria to WTO briefing us, and we’re really excited at the possibilities, thank you for coming in person to to meet with us here.
“A lot is going on at the ministry, and in time, as we start working together, you get to meet colleagues in the trade department, Investment promotion department, the export commodities department, and a lot of what is already going on.
“You will see that you don’t really have to replicate in terms of research. You will be able to see where Nigeria is first-hand with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFC FTA) implementation.”
She explained that the Export Promotion Council of Nigeria, the agencies under this ministry, will have a lot to share and learn from you, your research possibilities are endless.
“This is what Nigeria needs to be able to get our private sector engaged. I have no doubt that the ministry will be fully supported by this agenda.
“I look forward to having your full research plan, I believe that with the success of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigerian universities will be able to attract even more shares from the WTO and other like institutions.
“We look forward to a vibrant digital trade and MSMEs research programme. These are all front-burner issues for this ministry and various agencies and departments under this ministry.
“So with that, I say, Happy New Year and welcome. Wish you all the best and you have our full support,” she stated
While briefing the Minister, Nigerian Ambassador to WTO, Amb. Dr. M. A Abduhamid explained that with the “effort of the Honorable Minister and the permanent secretary, we were able to make a request to the WTO for Nigeria to benefit for the first time from this programme.
“The programme is for the academicians through the universities. Last year, about 27 universities in Nigeria applied and after cleaning their proposals on what they needed to do to support trade policy formulations to support the public sector in terms of trade issues, both national and international, the Nnamdi University happens to be the winner of that particular request.
“So the WTO has outlined the areas upon which the university through Professor Ngozi Eunice Egbuna will work on for a period of four years, starting with digital trade for Africa, SMEs, circular economy and women’s economic empowerment,” Abduhamid said.
He said the mandate is that “she must work with the ministry, as well as the trade office in Geneva because we have to monitor what she’s doing. If you look at that list there, they have outlined on each activity what she must do, the recipe, the seminars and so on, supporting the public sector,” Ambassador stated.
in her address, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna said this is a great responsibility and an exciting opportunity. We are poised to deliver a hands-on programme that integrates academics, practitioners, and policymakers”.
She said the programme which would commence at the next academic session, was a significant step towards trade policy formulation, academic development, and economic capacity building for Nigeria.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu was part of the delegation.
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