By Yecenu J. Sasetu
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) has unveiled a bold strategic roadmap to accelerate Nigeria’s economic diversification, industrialization, and global competitiveness. The announcement was made during a high-level retreat in Abuja, where key government officials and industry leaders convened to outline actionable steps toward economic transformation.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable economy that supports business growth at local, regional, and global levels.
“Our priority is clear—building a dynamic, resilient, and sustainable economy that enables businesses to thrive locally, regionally, and globally. In line with Mr. President’s eight-point agenda, our mission is to create wealth, generate productive jobs, and foster shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” Dr. Oduwole stated.
She emphasized that this initiative is not just about policy discussions but about delivering tangible results for over 200 million Nigerians.
Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, described the retreat as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“This is not just a retreat—it is a defining mission. We are not here merely to discuss problems but to deliver solutions. The responsibility before us is immense: How do we transition from an import-dependent economy to an innovation-driven industrial hub? How do we create an environment where our industries are globally competitive? The time for action is now,” Senator Enoh asserted.
Key focus areas of the Ministry’s agenda include:
- Scaling up industrialization and expanding trade opportunities.
- Enhancing investment policies to attract both local and foreign investors.
- Developing a sustainable ecosystem for manufacturing, SMEs, and export-driven industries.
The retreat also served as a platform to align FMITI’s objectives with the administration’s broader economic agenda. Ambassador Nuru Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, underscored the importance of executing a well-defined economic growth model.
“This retreat is a platform for reflection, innovation, and execution. Our goal is to craft a growth model that fosters industry expansion, technological innovation, and economic resilience. The conversations we have here must translate into concrete actions that will shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory in 2025 and beyond,” he said.
Over the next two days, FMITI’s leadership, alongside CEOs of 20 agencies under the Ministry, will finalize an execution plan to ensure measurable progress in industry, trade, and investment policies.
