Bauchi State expresses readiness to adopt ECOWAS Trade Scheme to boost regional commerce

By Muslim Lawal

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared his administration’s readiness to key into the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) to accelerate economic diversification and drive private-sector growth across the state.

Speaking at the ETLS sensitization workshop for North-East states held at the International Conference Center in Bauchi, the governor described the initiative as a vital mechanism for advancing regional economic integration across West Africa.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mohammad Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved by government effort alone, highlighting the need to empower the private sector to produce, invest, innovate, and generate jobs.

He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing the workshop, noting that, the engagement would deepen economic cooperation among North-East states while opening practical avenues for local producers, processors, traders, and logistics operators to expand their market reach.

According to him, the primary objective of the ETLS is to facilitate legitimate trade of qualifying regional products, attract investment, and dismantle unnecessary trade barriers while safeguarding national economic interests.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the local business climate and collaborating with the ECOWAS Commission, federal authorities, and international partners to ensure local enterprises fully benefit from regional trade frameworks.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Shola Enikanolaiye, stated that the workshop aimed to build capacity and raise awareness among business owners and regulatory agencies regarding the documentation, standards, and compliance procedures required under the ETLS framework.