NIGERIA PUSHES FOR INDUSTRIAL REVAMP WITH KEY APPOINTMENTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVE

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial transformation, export competitiveness, and strong public-private collaboration. This was highlighted by the inauguration of key governing boards under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and a high-level engagement with the organised private sector in Abuja.

The series of activities commenced with the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, delivered opening remarks, underscoring the importance of institutional leadership and effective governance in advancing national economic objectives.

Inaugurating the Board, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described oil and gas free zones as strategic instruments for industrialisation. She said, “They are for investment attraction and value chain development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” She emphasised the Board’s responsibility to provide direction and oversight, ensuring that government incentives translate into tangible economic value.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, noted the inauguration marked a critical governance milestone. He stressed, “Export processing zones must function as effective engines of production, employment and foreign exchange generation. Government expectations now centre on performance, accountability and measurable outcomes.”

The Chairman of the OGFZA Governing Board, Mrs. Lydia Kalat Musa, in her acceptance, pledged a commitment to responsible leadership and the effective discharge of the Authority’s statutory mandate.

The second event was the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Amb. Nura Abba Rimi reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks for industrial growth.

Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed the government’s resolve to reposition export processing zones as drivers of non-oil exports. Senator Enoh emphasised that NEPZA’s mandate is central to Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness, noting that effective governance is essential to unlocking the full potential of the zones.

The Chairman of the NEPZA Governing Board, Senator Tijani Yahaya Laura, pledged to work collectively to advance the Authority’s objectives in line with national priorities.

The final inauguration was that of the Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Amb. Rimi highlighted the importance of adherence to international best practices in strengthening Nigeria’s standards.

Addressing the Council, Dr. Oduwole described standards as a cornerstone of economic transformation, noting their critical role in protecting consumers and supporting local industries. Senator Enoh reinforced the strategic importance of effective standardisation for investor confidence.

The Chairman of the SON Governing Council, Honourable Yahuzu Ado Inuwa, pledged to advance quality assurance and strengthen compliance mechanisms.

Earlier, the Honourable Minister hosted a delegation from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening public-private sector collaboration as a critical driver of investment.

The LCCI delegation was led by its President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, who described the visit as an opportunity to align private sector priorities with ongoing reforms. He said, “We commend the Ministry’s efforts to reposition Nigeria as a competitive destination for trade and investment.” He highlighted key policy initiatives and business challenges, proposing enhanced dialogue and regulatory reforms. Kupoluyi also congratulated the Minister on Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos.

The engagements collectively underscored the Federal Government’s renewed focus on institutional strengthening, quality assurance, and sustained partnership with the private sector as central pillars of Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation drive.