From EMMA OBI, Calabar
The south south geo-political zone of Nigeria has appealed President Muhammad Buhari to sign the agreement seeking to give legitimacy to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
The Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade who spoke on behalf of stakeholders in the region made this appeal on Monday in Calabar during a meeting by stakeholders to brainstorm on issues of a free trade zone for Africa.
Ayade commended the President, Muhammad Buhari for proving himself as a democrat and “ not unilaterally signing the agreement but urged the six geo-political zones to go back and jaw jaw before they come back with the agreement’’ .
“Nigeria is the big brother to lead this drive and bring Africans together to think as one. You cannot afford to do business with yourself alone but by opening up to others. Africa must think big to open opportunities. We are in desperate need for trade liberation.”
Ayade stressed that our major challenge to maritime trade has to do with pirates. “Liberalization of trade, movement of goods and Africans from one place to another is thus critical.” He stressed.
He said this is an opportunity to show that Africa can unite.
The Governor who noted that Africa is the richest continent on the globe reasoned that if the United States operates as a continent and at the same time a country, “why can’t Africa also operate as a country?”
Expressing optimism that should this come to play, Africa will be conspicuous as the richest continent.
He called on governments, organisations and individuals to patronise home made goods rather than depending on the developed world virtually for almost all of our needs. “The South -South position on this is clear’’.
“The region is in support of the growth of Africa and Africa Unity” urging the federal government of Nigeria not only to intervene in the times of crisis but also in economic growth to allow for the prosperity of humanity “
Further, he asked Africans “to lock our doors and produce our vehicles and air conditioners. My message to Buhari is that after due consultations, the South-South is appealing that he signs the document.”
Earlier, the Director General, Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe urged stakeholders to join hands in boosting intra-African Trade.
It would be recalled that in March this year, some African leaders had signed the agreement for a free trade zone. President Buhari had requested that stakeholders across the country should brainstorm on the issue and present their opinion to the national executive for endorsement or otherwise.