By Isaac Mission
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation through industrial expansion, increased investment, improved trade competitiveness, and sustainable job creation.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, made this known during the 17th National Council meeting of the ministry held in Enugu.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Augustina Obilor-Duru, the minister said the administration has made significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She revealed that Nigeria has facilitated over 50 billion dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, generated 6.1 billion dollars in non-oil exports, and disbursed more than N600 billion through the Bank of Industry (BoI) to support businesses.
Oduwole also disclosed that over 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been registered in the national database, while close to 300,000 Nigerians have benefited from government-backed skills acquisition programmes.
She described the milestones as clear indicators of the administration’s drive toward building a one-trillion-dollar economy, stressing that the ministry remains focused on translating policy reforms into increased production, higher exports, stronger investment inflows, and more employment opportunities.
The minister identified the development of industrial clusters, expansion of local manufacturing, investment promotion, digital trade, implementation of the National Single Window, stronger intellectual property protection, and deeper participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as major priorities.
She urged government agencies to ensure that resolutions reached at the council meeting are backed by clear responsibilities, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
Also speaking, Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, called for greater collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and the private sector to address challenges such as high financing costs, regulatory barriers, and limited access to development funding.
The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, noting that the policy will prioritise affordable financing for industries, value addition, manufacturing growth, and stronger public-private partnerships.
Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, said ongoing reforms in infrastructure, security, digital governance, and investment facilitation have enhanced the state's attractiveness to investors.
In his remarks, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, appreciated the Enugu State Government, development partners, and participants for their support. He expressed optimism that the council’s resolutions would help accelerate industrialisation, expand trade, attract investments, and drive inclusive economic growth across the country.
