By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has declared that the country’s entry into the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Programme will accelerate industrial growth, expand agribusiness value chains, and create new economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja during the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum held ahead of the 5th AATB Board of Governors Meeting, Edun said regional cooperation between African and Arab nations has become critical in a rapidly shifting global economic landscape.
He noted that intra-African and Arab-Africa trade is projected to grow by over US$37 billion in the next three years, stressing that Nigeria must position itself to benefit through value-added production, export diversification and improved competitiveness.
“This is a moment to turn opportunity into action,” Edun said. “By working together, we can build stronger value chains, create jobs and support prosperity across our regions. With value-added partnerships, we can unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and create a brighter future for our people.”
According to the minister, Nigeria’s expanding industrial base and upcoming National Single Window reforms will help streamline trade processes, increase efficiency and attract more private-sector investment. He said deepening collaboration with Arab partners will help modernise agribusiness, strengthen manufacturing and enhance trade logistics.
His remarks followed the signing of Nigeria’s AATB Membership Agreement in Abuja on Tuesday by Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Secretary General of the AATB Programme, and himself on behalf of the Federal Government.
The AATB deal provides a strategic framework for Nigeria to boost export diversification, strengthen value chains, enhance trade finance, improve logistics, and promote SME growth – key components of the country’s development priorities.
Al Aama described Nigeria as “one of Africa’s most dynamic and resilient economies,” with strong potential in agribusiness, energy, manufacturing and digital industries. He said the AATB looks forward to working closely with Nigerian institutions to expand trade and investment opportunities.
The partnership marks a major step in the AATB’s ongoing efforts to support African economies through agribusiness, textiles, logistics, digital trade and export-readiness programmes, particularly under the AfCFTA.
With Nigeria’s accession, the AATB expands its footprint across Africa and gains what Al Aama called a “key partner” in advancing trade-led development and inclusive economic growth.
