Top 10 Things You Should Know About NANTS (National Association of Nigerian Traders) - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) is a prominent organization that champions the interests of Nigerian traders across various sectors. From advocating for fair trade policies to empowering grassroots entrepreneurs, NANTS plays a significant role in the economic development of Nigeria. Here are the top 10 things you should know about NANTS:

1. What is NANTS?

NANTS stands for the National Association of Nigerian Traders, a non-governmental organization established to protect and promote the socio-economic and business interests of Nigerian traders. The association serves as a unified voice for traders, advocating for favorable policies and engaging in policy dialogues at national and regional levels.

2. Representation Across Nigeria

NANTS has a broad national presence, with branches and members across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. Its members include market women and men, cross-border traders, farmers, agro-processors, and service providers involved in informal and formal trade.

3. Advocate for Trade Policy Reforms

NANTS is deeply involved in policy advocacy—especially in areas like trade liberalization, border policy, agricultural development, and the implementation of regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

4. Women and Youth Empowerment

A core focus of NANTS is the empowerment of women and youth, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. Through training programs, access to finance, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), NANTS helps improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups in the trade sector.

5. Strong Voice in Regional and Continental Trade

Beyond Nigeria, NANTS is also active in West Africa and across the African continent, engaging in regional dialogues through ECOWAS and continental trade platforms. It contributes to discussions on cross-border trade, trade facilitation, and policy harmonization.

6. Promotes Ethical Trading Practices

NANTS educates traders on ethical practices, such as compliance with tax regulations, product standards, and anti-corruption measures. This is aimed at enhancing the credibility and professionalism of Nigerian traders in domestic and international markets.

7. Partnerships with Development Organizations

NANTS collaborates with various international development agencies such as the European Union, USAID, Oxfam, and others. These partnerships help fund capacity-building programs, market access initiatives, and trade research to benefit Nigerian traders.

8. Supports Digital Transformation of Trade

Recognizing the power of technology, NANTS supports the digitalization of trade through platforms like the NANTS Market, an online marketplace designed to help traders sell products and access services more efficiently. This is part of their drive to modernize the informal sector.

9. Engaged in Agricultural Value Chains

NANTS is a key player in promoting agribusiness and value chain development. It connects farmers with markets, facilitates training on sustainable agriculture, and advocates for improved access to inputs, finance, and infrastructure for rural traders.

10. NANTS is a Bridge Between Government and Traders

Above all, NANTS functions as a bridge between traders and policymakers, ensuring that the voices of traders are heard in decision-making processes. It provides research-based recommendations, organizes stakeholder forums, and ensures feedback mechanisms are in place for inclusive trade governance.

Final Thoughts:

NANTS is more than just a traders’ union—it’s a strategic force for economic inclusion, policy reform, and empowerment in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. Whether you’re a policy analyst, development practitioner, entrepreneur, or a trader yourself, understanding the role of NANTS offers valuable insight into the informal sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy and its evolving place in regional trade dynamics.