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Why Nigerian Small Manufacturers Fear New Continental Trade Deal

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA, NIGERIA - A recently signed African Continental Free Trade
   Agreement (AfCFTA) is intended to increase trading among African
   nations and eliminate tariffs and bottlenecks. Some manufacturers in
   Nigeria, however, say that wading into the continental market could
   undermine local players and have negative implications.

   When Chijioke Nelson graduated at the top of his class at the
   University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2015, he had no intention of getting a
   regular job.

   Nelson started footwear company Chinelk Outfits almost immediately
   after graduation. The business management graduate says he wants to
   contribute to Nigeria's economic growth.

   Nelson, however, said he is concerned that President Muhammadu Buhari's
   recent signing of the Africa trade deal in Niger might put small
   manufacturers like him out of business.

   "It's one thing to sign this into law. It's another thing to ensure
   that this free trade, whatever that has been signed, does not kill the
   infant industries in the country, because you know, this has to do with
   cross transportation of produced or manufactured goods," he said.

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