By joshua KOCCIMA MOBILIZES PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATORS FOR ECOWAS TRADE LIBERALIZATION WORKSHOP IN LOKOJA
The Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has called on private sector operators across Kogi State and the North Central geopolitical zone to take full advantage of the forthcoming Sensitization Workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
The workshop, convened by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to hold on Monday, 2nd November, 2026 by 9:00 a.m. at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja, with His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, Executive Governor of Kogi State, delivering the Keynote Address.
In a statement signed by the Deputy President 1 of KOCCIMA, Comr. Rajaun Suleiman, the Chamber on behalf of the President, Dr. Akerejola Demiloye, said it is mobilizing in full force to ensure massive participation of manufacturers, exporters, traders, agribusiness operators, mining companies, MSMEs and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, the ETLS is a vital instrument for promoting regional economic integration and facilitating intra-regional trade through duty-free movement of qualifying products within the ECOWAS market.
The workshop will provide practical knowledge on the requirements, benefits and opportunities under the ETLS and its linkage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a view to enhancing market access, industrial competitiveness, export development and investment.
Comr. Suleiman disclosed that KOCCIMA, under the leadership of its President, Dr. Akerejola Demiloye, is working resolutely to ensure that the outcome of the workshop translates into unqualified benefits for members and the broader business community in Kogi State.
He urged all private sector operators not to miss the opportunity, stressing that the Chamber remains committed to championing the interests of businesses and positioning Kogi enterprises to take advantage of regional and continental trade opportunities.