AfCFTA: Buhari warns ECOWAS against abuse, as agreement takes effect January 1

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must not abuse the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement as the trade deal commences January 1, 2021.

Buhari gave the warning at the 13th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government held virtually on Saturday.

Buhari, who was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, expressed excitement about the start of the agreement, adding that it was a fulfillment of the collective dreams of Africa’s founding fathers.

He cautioned that any violation of the rule could affect trade relations, cause disorder, regional and geopolitical tensions and reduce economic growth.

“In view of Nigeria’s strategic role in our collective efforts to build the Africa we want, the Nigerian government has taken bold steps to ratify the AfCFTA.

“It is, however, pertinent to remind us of the need to preserve the agreed rule we are putting in place, to ensure that there is no breakdown or abuse of the rules based on the continental free trade framework.”

Buhari explained that Nigeria is aware of its role in deepening intra-Africa trade and making it a success, adding that Nigeria remained open to working with all African nations.