By Odo Chukwuemeka Andrew
In a bold step toward achieving the strategic vision of increasing Enugu State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $40 billion, the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a one-day workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
The event, held at the Enugu International Conference Centre on 28th October 2025, reflected the administration’s commitment to repositioning the state as a major economic player within the subregion and beyond.
The workshop was hosted by Her Excellency, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the chief host is His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
The high-profile event attracted policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, traditional rulers and trade experts from across the South-East geopolitical zone and other parts of Nigeria.
The central purpose of the workshop was to educate participants on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS); a key regional initiative designed to promote economic integration among member states by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The scheme aims to increase intra-regional trade, enhance competitiveness, and facilitate the free movement of goods and services across West African borders.
By helping businesses expand into the broader ECOWAS market, ETLS offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to scale their operations, access new markets, and contribute to industrial and economic growth.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and advancing regional cooperation.
In his address, he emphasized the critical role of finance in business development and called for the establishment of an ECOWAS Bank dedicated to supporting SMEs.
He highlighted the persistent challenges faced by small business owners in securing loans, particularly the stringent collateral requirements and bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder access to credit.
He urged relevant authorities to decentralize loan approvals and adopt more flexible lending conditions that reflect the realities of small-scale enterprises in the region.
In his remarks, the Royal Father of the Day commended the initiative and offered blessings to all participants.
He underscored the importance of globalization and regional trade integration as tools for economic empowerment and national development.
According to him, the Enugu State government’s proactive engagement in ECOWAS programs demonstrates a visionary approach to governance; one that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and economic sustainability.
Participants of the workshop gained valuable insights into how the ETLS framework can help local businesses overcome trade barriers, expand across borders, and compete effectively in the subregional market.
They were also enlightened on the processes for product certification, export documentation, and how to take advantage of preferential trade policies available under the ECOWAS arrangement.
Themed “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade Through ETLS,” the workshop created a platform for dialogue among government officials, business leaders, and development partners on how to deepen economic cooperation within the ECOWAS region.
It further explored strategies for greater private sector participation, value chain development, and the promotion of locally manufactured goods across West Africa.
This initiative is not just an economic event but a strategic milestone in Enugu State’s repositioning agenda under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
It reflects the government’s commitment to transforming Enugu into a major economic hub of the South-East, capable of attracting investment, fostering innovation, and driving industrialization.
Through initiatives such as this, Enugu is steadily asserting its place within the broader ECOWAS trade network and the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ultimately, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme workshop reinforced the vision of an economically vibrant Enugu; one where SMEs serve as the backbone of growth, job creation, and regional trade integration.
By equipping local entrepreneurs with knowledge and access to opportunities within the ECOWAS framework, the state is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous, and globally competitive economy.
