In a landmark address that sets the strategic tone for Nigeria’s engagement with a new economic era, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, Director of the Division of AfCFTA Law and Policy (DALP), has positioned the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) at the forefront of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation.
Prof. Ladan’s pivotal presentation, titled “Setting the Tone: Why We Are Here Today,” was delivered at the inaugural sensitization programme held at NILDS Headquarters on Friday, November 28th, 2025. The event marked a critical step in mobilizing national expertise to harness the opportunities of the world’s largest free trade area.
A Vision for a Connected, Prosperous Africa
In his compelling address, Prof. Ladan framed the AfCFTA not just as a government agreement, but as a transformative economic revolution. He articulated a powerful vision for the agreement, emphasizing its potential to “connect about 1.3 billion people across the continent, lift millions out of poverty, attract investments, and ensure inclusivity of women and youth in trade.”
While acknowledging the framework is member-state driven, Prof. Ladan underscored a vital reality: its success will be “led by the private sector in order to achieve the goals of a single continental market.” This clear-eyed perspective highlights the need for robust legislative and policy frameworks to guide and protect private sector engagement.
Equipping a Nation: The NILDS Mandate
The core of Prof. Ladan’s presentation detailed the decisive role of NILDS in this national endeavour. Under his leadership, the institute has crafted a comprehensive strategy focused on four key pillars: Research, Capacity Building, Policy Engagement, and Curriculum Development.
“Our aim is to equip NILDS Staff with the knowledge of the AfCFTA framework and NILDS' role in the national implementation strategy,” stated Prof. Ladan. “This will enable our team to provide effective technical and legislative support, ensuring Nigeria is not just a participant, but a leader in the AfCFTA landscape.”
The programme is designed to foster technical capacity across all 13 departments and 7 units of NILDS, including the Departments of Economic and Social Research, Legislative Support Services, and the Gender and Inclusivity Unit, ensuring a whole-of-institute approach.
A Leader at the Helm
Prof. Ladan’s leadership in orchestrating this high-level sensitization demonstrates his pivotal role as a key architect of Nigeria’s AfCFTA strategy. His division, DALP, is established as the central hub within NILDS for translating the complex legal and policy protocols of the agreement into actionable national plans.
By bringing together the Director-General, management, staff, and a panel of experts, Prof. Ladan has successfully ignited a crucial internal dialogue, setting in motion the machinery required for Nigeria to seize the immense opportunities of the African continental market.
About Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan:
Prof.M.T. Ladan is the Director of the Division of AfCFTA Law and Policy (DALP) at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). A renowned expert in law and policy, he is leading national efforts to build capacity and develop legislative frameworks for the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in Nigeria.
About NILDS:
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies(NILDS) is a premier institution dedicated to strengthening legislative governance, democratic processes, and public policy in Nigeria and across Africa.
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