The Workshop, scheduled to hold in Abuja from 6th to 7th of September 2016, aims to build the capacity and awareness of journalists in Nigeria as well as enhance their knowledge on International Trade Agreements, with emphasis on the EPA between the EU and West Africa.

The EPA which has been endorsed by Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has been signed by all 28 EU Member States while only 13 ECOWAS Member States have signed the Agreement. Nigeria, the Gambia and Mauritania are yet to sign. Although the latter is no longer a member of ECOWAS.

In view of this, the pilot phase of media sensitization workshops will take place in Nigeria in order to ensure the dissemination of factual information and proper communication on the implementation of the International Trade Agreements and their benefits to the region.

Furthermore, the workshop will help to empower community citizens through communication activities which will enable them to better understand the Economic Partnership Agreement in order to maximize its benefits.

The primary goal of EPA is to promote the deepening of the regional integration process and sustainable economic development in the West African region. The EPA and the national development strategies of the West African region are complementary and mutually supportive without prejudice to their capacity to exercise their political options thus encouraging sustainable development and poverty eradication.