The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The capacity-building workshop, which began on 31 March 2026 and runs until 2 April, focuses on Rules of Origin — a key requirement for determining which goods qualify for tariff-free trade across Africa.

Officials say the initiative is designed to improve Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade and ensure businesses can fully benefit from the agreement.

Why it matters

AfCFTA is one of the world’s largest free trade areas, connecting 54 African countries and creating a market of over 1.3 billion people.

However, experts say many businesses struggle to benefit due to limited awareness and technical knowledge, especially around Rules of Origin.

Without proper understanding, exporters risk missing out on trade preferences or facing delays at borders.

Customs: ‘Critical to trade and competitiveness’

Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the training addresses a crucial gap in trade implementation.

Represented by Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, he stressed the importance of the initiative.

“The Rules of Origin constitute a very critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation and implementation are fundamental to trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness,” he said.

He added that the workshop is designed to combine theory with practical application, covering planning, execution and evaluation of trade processes.

AfCFTA coordinator: ‘From policy to real impact’

Nigeria’s National Coordinator for AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a shift from policy discussions to real economic outcomes.

“This agreement must not remain at the level of policy; it must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to increase awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge to compete effectively in African markets.

Olutayo also acknowledged the role of the Presidency and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting economic reforms linked to trade.

Industry and development partners

The programme has drawn support from international partners, including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union, who are providing technical expertise.

Trade analysts say such partnerships are vital in aligning Nigeria’s systems with global standards.

They also note that improved customs processes could reduce trade bottlenecks and boost investor confidence.

What’s next

Participants have been urged to apply the knowledge gained to ensure Nigerian businesses are not excluded from AfCFTA opportunities due to lack of awareness.

If successfully implemented, the training could strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and increase exports within Africa.

Impact on businesses and economy

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding Rules of Origin could mean easier access to new markets and reduced costs.

Economists say increased intra-African trade could help diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil and create jobs across manufacturing, agriculture and services.

The Delta State Police Command says it has intensified operations against drug cartels following the death of a 15-year-old boy who allegedly overdosed on a controlled medication.

Police said the teenager, identified as Gift Oberhirhi, died after reportedly consuming multiple tablets of Dexamethasone without a doctor’s prescription.

The incident, which occurred in Orogun, has renewed concerns about the growing misuse of drugs among young people in Nigeria.

What happened

According to police, the boy allegedly obtained the tablets from a friend, also aged 15, identified as Destiny Akpofure.

Authorities said the deceased swallowed about 15 tablets before falling ill.

He later died while being rushed for medical treatment.

Police operatives said they responded quickly, evacuated the body to the General Hospital mortuary in Orogun for an autopsy, and arrested the suspect.

“The deceased without a doctor’s prescription, took the drug from the suspect and swallowed fifteen tablets. He subsequently fell ill and died while being taken for medical attention,” the statement said.

The police added that investigations are ongoing.

Why it matters

Health experts warn that Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, should only be taken under medical supervision, as misuse can lead to severe complications or death.

The incident highlights a broader issue of access to prescription and controlled drugs among teenagers.

Police say such misuse is increasingly linked to other crimes, including cult-related violence and substance abuse disorders.

Police response

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, said the command is stepping up intelligence-led operations targeting drug dens and criminal hideouts.

“The Command is committed to the protection of lives and property and will take all necessary measures to address drug-related crimes across the State,” he said.

Authorities also warned young people against drug misuse and urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely.

Wider concerns

Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has become a growing public health concern, with authorities linking it to rising insecurity and social problems.

The police say the latest incident underscores “the serious public safety risks posed by the illegal distribution and misuse of drugs.”

They are urging members of the public to report suspicious drug-related activities.

What’s next

Police say investigations into the case will continue, while broader enforcement efforts targeting illegal drug distribution networks are being expanded.

Community awareness campaigns are also expected to be intensified.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has marked the first anniversary of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Customs Cares, with the commissioning of a major school project in Abuja.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, unveiled the intervention on Tuesday at Government Secondary School Wuse, describing it as a milestone in the agency’s community development efforts.

“What we have seen here today shows clearly that we did not make a mistake in adopting this school,” Mr Adeniyi said.

“The performance by the students reflects the impact of what has been done.”

The project includes renovated facilities, solar-powered lighting, CCTV installation and new educational materials aimed at improving both safety and learning conditions.

Why it matters

Education experts say targeted infrastructure upgrades can significantly improve student outcomes in public schools.

Adeniyi said the intervention goes beyond physical improvements, focusing on confidence-building and personal development.

“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about creating opportunities for young people to grow, interact and build confidence for the future,” he said.

Nigeria’s public school system has long faced challenges including poor infrastructure and limited resources, making partnerships like this increasingly important.

What has changed at the school

According to the school’s principal, Josephine Ugwu, the intervention has transformed the learning environment.

“These facilities have transformed our environment. The hall will now serve as a centre for learning, cultural activities and talent development,” she said.

The upgrade includes:

Renovation of a multi-purpose hall

Installation of CCTV cameras

Solar-powered street lighting

Distribution of educational materials

School authorities say the improvements have already strengthened both academic performance and student engagement.

Government and institutional response

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Board, Danlami Hayyo, described the project as a strong example of institutional collaboration.

“This intervention goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a commitment to the future of these students and to the broader goal of sustainable development,” he said.

He added that such initiatives open the door for deeper partnerships between government agencies and the education sector.

Inside the ‘Customs Cares’ initiative

The Customs Cares programme was launched to address development gaps in communities where the NCS operates.

The Comptroller in charge of the unit, Patience Ibrahim, said the initiative has expanded rapidly within its first year.

“In just one year, the initiative has grown into a recognised platform for delivering impactful projects across the country,” she said.

“This intervention reflects the Service’s commitment to education as a driver of national development.”

Sustainability concerns

CGC Adeniyi warned that many public projects fail due to poor maintenance and called for stronger partnerships to sustain the investment.

“Our office remains open for further collaboration, but we must ensure that what has been provided is properly sustained,” he said.

He also urged students to make full use of the facilities, particularly in developing communication and public speaking skills.

Community engagement and activities

The event also featured community-focused activities, including a basketball match between Customs officials and students.

Tree planting exercises involving senior officials and education stakeholders were also held, reinforcing environmental awareness.