Abuja: The Federal Government says it is targeting industrial growth, attracting investments and strengthening Nigeria’s trade competitiveness to accelerate economic transformation, create jobs and boost sustainable development. A statement by Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in Abuja, said that the Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this at the 17th National Council of the ministry, in Enugu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oduwole said the government has reaffirmed its commitment to industrialisation, trade competitiveness, and investment attraction as the country had recorded more than 50 billion dollars in facilitated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments. She highlighted that Nigeria also achieved 6.1 billion dollars in non-oil exports and disbursed over N600 billion through the Bank of Industry (BoI). Additionally, more than 500,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises have been captured in the national database.
The minister noted that nearly 300,000 Nigerians have benefited from government-supported skills development programs. ‘These achievements are evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda and progress toward building a one-trillion-dollar economy,’ she stated. The ministry remains focused on translating economic reforms into increased production, exports, investments, and job creation, with industrial clusters, manufacturing expansion, investment facilitation, digital trade, and the National Single Window identified as key government priorities.
Oduwole also highlighted stronger intellectual property protection and deeper participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as priority areas. She urged implementing agencies to ensure council resolutions have clear ownership, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, called for efforts to address financing costs, regulatory bottlenecks, and limited access to development finance. Ossai emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and the private sector to promote industrial growth, investment, and employment.
The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, reaffirmed commitment to implementing the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, focusing on affordable industrial financing, value addition, manufacturing expansion, and stronger public-private partnerships.
Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, highlighted reforms in infrastructure, security, digital governance, and investment facilitation. He noted that these reforms have strengthened Enugu’s position as a preferred destination for investment and industrial development.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government, development partners, and delegates. He conveyed confidence that the council would deliver resolutions to accelerate industrialisation, expand trade, attract investment, and promote inclusive economic growth.