Mariam Abeeb
The Federal Government said 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 on Thursday, said that the Minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this at the 17th National Council of the ministry, in Enugu.
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 said Nigeria also achieved 6.1 billion dollars in non-oil exports and disbursed over N600 billion through the Bank of Industry (BoI).
She added that more than 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises had been captured in the national database.
According to her, nearly 300,000 Nigerians have benefited from government-supported skills development programmes.
“These achievements are evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda and progress toward building a one-trillion-dollar economy,” he said.
The minister said the ministry remained focused on translating economic reforms into increased production, exports, investments and job creation.
She identified industrial clusters, manufacturing expansion, investment facilitation, digital trade and the National Single Window as key government priorities.
Oduwole also listed 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 urged 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.
Enoh said the policy would focus 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.
Ogbu-Nwobodo said the reforms had strengthened Enugu’s position as a preferred destination for investment and industrial development.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, thanked the Enugu State Government, development partners and delegates.
Isokpunwu expressed confidence that the council would deliver resolutions to accelerate industrialisation, expand trade, attract investment and promote inclusive economic growth.
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