Her Excellency, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, delivered a powerful and inspiring address at the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Sensitization Workshop, held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, Enugu State. The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss the critical role of regional integration and trade expansion in West Africa.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Ojukwu described the workshop as a “timely intervention” aimed at deepening regional economic integration, enhancing cross-border trade, and empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to access the vast opportunities within the West African market. She emphasized that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme is not merely a technical policy but a strategic pillar of Africa’s economic renaissance, serving as a foundation for sustainable growth and the free movement of goods and services across member states.
Commending the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his leadership and hospitality, Ambassador Ojukwu praised Enugu’s transformation into a hub of innovation and enterprise. She highlighted that the state’s progress mirrors the broader objectives of ECOWAS in driving inclusive and sustainable development. “Enugu stands today as a model for how local dynamism can align with continental ambitions,” she said.
Ambassador Ojukwu underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in the success of the ETLS, stressing that as West Africa’s largest economy, the country’s leadership in trade facilitation and policy implementation is essential. However, she noted that the true test of Nigeria’s commitment lies not only in its capital cities but also in how effectively local entrepreneurs, traders, and manufacturers are empowered to compete across regional markets.
“This workshop is about democratizing opportunity,” she stated. “It is about equipping our SMEs with the tools, networks, and understanding they need to transcend local boundaries and participate meaningfully in the regional economy.”
Drawing attention to the economic resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East region, Ambassador Ojukwu noted that the region’s long-standing tradition of commerce makes it well-positioned to benefit from the opportunities offered by ETLS. She called on business owners to see the initiative as a gateway to regional competitiveness and national economic strength.
“As we gather here in Enugu, I urge all participants to engage fully, ask questions, share experiences, and form partnerships that will extend your businesses beyond Nigeria’s borders,” she encouraged. She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with ECOWAS and relevant agencies, will continue to champion economic diplomacy and trade facilitation as central to Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda.
Ambassador Ojukwu concluded her address with a strong call to action, reminding participants that regional integration is not an abstract policy concept but a tangible tool for empowerment. “It is about people, jobs, markets, and opportunities,” she declared. “It is about turning promises into measurable progress for every Nigerian entrepreneur.”
Her remarks set the tone for a workshop widely seen as a milestone in advancing West Africa’s vision of shared prosperity through cooperation, innovation, and inclusive trade growth.
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