The Professor Ngozi Egbuna Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, held a workshop on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, focusing on the World Trade Organization and Nigeria’s economic development.
The event, themed Understanding the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Economic Development, took place at Vertex View Hotels on IBB Road, Nibo, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The hybrid workshop attracted participants from government institutions, academic circles, the private sector, exporters, and trade professionals.
Speaking at the opening session, the Director of ICRITR, Professor Ngozi Egbuna, noted that Nigeria has been a member of the WTO since 1995, spending more than three decades within the multilateral trading system. She said the workshop was designed to enhance stakeholder knowledge of WTO rules, opportunities, and challenges, while contributing to Nigeria’s policy positioning ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference slated for 2026.
The first presentation was delivered by trade law specialist, Barrister Legborsi Nwiabu, who assessed Nigeria’s participation in the WTO. He outlined the country’s obligations under key WTO agreements covering areas such as trade facilitation, intellectual property, and digital trade, and called for improved coordination among government agencies, stronger private sector competitiveness, and expanded research capacity.
Professor O.T. Ebiringa, in his presentation, reviewed Nigeria’s trade structure and the implications of WTO membership for economic transformation. He observed that exports remain largely dependent on crude oil with minimal value addition, and identified challenges including inadequate infrastructure, high logistics costs, weak policy execution, insecurity, and governance concerns. He also highlighted growth prospects in manufacturing, agro-processing, energy transition, and opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The final paper was presented by Professor Ken Obi, who discussed the core principles of the WTO and their significance for Nigeria. He explained that WTO membership has improved market access, supported trade facilitation reforms, and provided dispute settlement options, while also increasing competition and regulatory demands on domestic industries. He emphasized the need for stronger institutions, coherent policies, and better private sector preparedness.
Participants later engaged the speakers during an interactive session, raising issues related to trade liberalisation, protection of local industries, dispute resolution, and governance reforms.
The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants and the announcement that a policy paper reflecting the workshop’s discussions would be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
