The Nigeria Trade Office in Ghana
A strategic office of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, established to deepen economic ties between Africa's two largest economies.
A Partnership Shaped by History
The Nigeria–Ghana relationship is one of the closest in Africa — two nations bound by shared colonial history, similar political systems, and deep cultural, commercial, and emotional ties. Yet it has also been marked by periodic friction over trade, particularly around retail restrictions and cross-border commerce.
Ghana's investment law restricts foreigners from small-scale retail trade, leading to the closure of hundreds of Nigerian-owned shops over the years. On the other side, Ghana has raised concerns about Nigerian bans on certain products and border closures seen as economic sabotage.
In May and June 2021, both nations convened a high-level bilateral meeting led by the Honourable Ministers of Trade and Industry. This gave birth to the inter-ministerial committee and the Nigeria–Ghana Bilateral Trade Commission. In the same year, the Nigerian President approved the establishment of the Nigeria Trade Office in Accra, Ghana — tasked with resolving trader issues, promoting trade and investment, and coordinating AfCFTA matters.
The Office became operational in 2023 and works closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, the Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG), the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the All Nigeria Congress (ANC), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO).
Quick Facts
Established
2021 (Approved)
Operational
2023
Location
No. 39, Adumua Loop, Dzorwulu, Accra
Parent Ministry
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Focus
Non-oil exports, FDI, AfCFTA, trade dispute resolution
Why We Exist
Six strategic objectives guide the Nigeria Trade Office in Ghana.
Increased Volume of Trade
Change the trade balance with partners that have historically enjoyed a surplus against Nigeria.
Export Expansion & Diversification
Market Nigerian commodities and products to trading partners to reduce oil dependence.
Increased Investment Inflows
Attract Foreign Direct Investment from regions with surplus financial resources.
Capturing Diaspora Markets
Engage Nigerian diaspora and their investable funds through aggressive investment drives.
Negotiating Market Access
Provide a physical presence for Nigerian negotiators at multilateral trade negotiations.
Addressing Trade Imbalances
Resolve trade complaints and enquiries close to where they arise.
Nine Core Responsibilities
The daily work that guides our service to Nigeria and Ghana.
Maintain and strengthen existing mutual economic ties and bilateral trade and investment relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Ghana.
Liaise with Ghanaian Government Agencies in charge of trade and investment to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
Assist Nigerian traders in Ghana to develop and explore mutual trade and investment opportunities.
Provide business linkages to the organized private sector in Nigeria, including Chambers of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
Provide information on exportable non-oil products from Nigeria.
Provide counselling and guidance on trade and investment regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
Promote Nigerian businesses in Ghana.
Attract investment to Nigeria.
Facilitate trade missions, exhibitions, and commercial partnerships, and resolve trade disputes through cooperation with Ghanaian authorities and traders.
Guiding the Mission
Meet the distinguished leaders driving the Nigeria-Ghana trade relationship.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Commander-In-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole
Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Sen. John Owan Enoh
Honourable Minister of State
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Amb. Nura Abba Rimi
Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Mohammed Ahmed Babagana
Trade Commissioner
Nigeria Trade Office, Accra
Based in the Heart of Accra
Operating from Accra with a lean, focused team, the Office is led by a Deputy Trade Commissioner seconded from Headquarters, supported by local staff. The team continues to work toward a fully staffed and funded office to serve Nigerian and Ghanaian businesses more effectively.