The Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department of the ECOWAS Commission has convened a three (3) day meeting of the Interdepartmental Trade Facilitation Committee (IDTFC) in Lagos, Nigeria, 14–17 October 2026, to accelerate the implementation of regional trade facilitation commitments and improve the movement of goods across West Africa.
The meeting brings together representatives of Commission directorates responsible for Transport; Customs Union and Taxation; Trade; Gender Development; Legal Affairs; and Information Technology Services. It aims to translate recommendations from the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry and the Seventh Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Trade Facilitation Committee, both held in June 2026, into concrete actions with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and implementation mechanisms.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, the Director of the Trade Directorate, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, emphasised the need to move from regional commitments to measurable results, including the reduction of trade barriers, more efficient border crossings, improved transport corridors and expanded trading opportunities for businesses and citizens across the region.
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