Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the country’s accession to the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Programme will serve as a major catalyst for industrial expansion, agribusiness modernisation and job creation.
Speaking in Abuja at the Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum ahead of the 5th AATB Board of Governors Meeting, Edun said the Federal Government is positioning Nigeria to take full advantage of the fast-growing African–Arab trade corridor, projected to expand by more than US$37 billion within the next three years.
According to him, deeper commercial cooperation between Africa and the Arab world has become essential as global markets shift and competition intensifies.
“We must convert this moment of opportunity into action,” Edun said. “Stronger African–Arab value chains mean more jobs, more investment, and shared prosperity. By focusing on value addition instead of exporting raw commodities, we can secure a brighter economic future for our people.”
Edun noted that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms—especially the forthcoming National Single Window system—will help cut red tape, improve trade efficiency and expand private-sector participation. He added that partnerships fostered under the AATB framework would strengthen agribusiness, bolster manufacturing and modernise logistics.
The remarks came shortly after Nigeria formally signed the AATB Membership Agreement in Abuja. The deal was endorsed by Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, Chief Executive of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Secretary General of the AATB Programme, alongside Edun.
Al Aama praised Nigeria as “one of Africa’s most dynamic economies,” noting its strong potential across agriculture, energy, manufacturing and digital services. He said the AATB is committed to supporting Nigeria in diversifying exports, improving value chains and expanding access to regional markets.
The agreement deepens AATB’s footprint across Africa, adding Nigeria as a strategic member in ongoing programmes covering agribusiness, textiles, logistics, digital trade and export readiness under the AfCFTA.
With the new partnership, Edun said, Nigeria is positioned to drive trade-led development, attract investment and build an economy anchored on industrial growth rather than commodity dependence.
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