The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments as a critical strategy for accelerating industrialization, expanding exports, attracting investment and delivering inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
The commitment was made during a working visit by the Forum of State Commissioners of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, Industry and Investment, led by its Coordinating Chair and Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Sen John Owan Enoh on Monday, 29 June 2026, in Abuja.
Welcoming the Commissioners, Dr. Oduwole described the visit as timely and strategic, stressing that effective collaboration between the Federal Government and the states is indispensable to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda and unlocking Nigeria’s vast economic potential.
She noted that the Ministry’s priorities are clearly articulated in its strategic output documents, which guide the implementation of key reforms and programmes aimed at stimulating industrial growth, expanding trade and attracting investment.
She added that continuous knowledge sharing and regular engagement with sub-national governments would remain central to ensuring alignment and effective implementation of national economic policies.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Minister announced that Nigeria recorded an unprecedented 11 per cent growth in non-oil exports, valued at over $6 billion, driven largely by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced regional export readiness and capacity-building programmes across the country’s geopolitical zones to equip businesses and government officials with the knowledge and tools required to maximise export opportunities.
Dr. Oduwole also underscored the strategic importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a major catalyst for economic diversification and industrial transformation.
According to her, Nigeria’s exports to African markets have now surpassed exports to any other region, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership in intra-African trade.
She called on all states to actively participate in preparations for CANEX WKND 2026 and the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which Nigeria will host from 5–11 November 2027.
”We want every state to be represented because every state has products, businesses and value chains that deserve continental visibility. This is Nigeria’s opportunity to showcase its strengths, attract investment and deepen intra-African trade,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Oduwole further informed the Commissioners that Nigeria will assume the Chairmanship of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, describing the development as a significant opportunity for the country to provide leadership in shaping Africa’s trade and industrial agenda.
Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan, emphasised that stronger Federal-State collaboration remains fundamental to achieving Nigeria’s industrialization, trade and investment objectives.
He described the Industry, Trade and Investment portfolio as one of the most strategic drivers of national economic development and commended the Commissioners for seeking closer engagement with the Ministry.
Senator Owan highlighted the forthcoming National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment as a critical platform for policy coordination and stakeholder engagement.
He also stressed the importance of implementing Nigeria’s first comprehensive Industrial Policy in decades, noting that flagship initiatives such as the Industrial Parks Programme require active collaboration with state governments, many of which own key industrial assets.
”Our success depends on partnership. Most of the productive assets are located within the states, making collaboration essential for improving productivity, promoting value addition, expanding trade and attracting investment,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, welcomed the Commissioners and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustained engagement with sub-national governments.
He noted that states play a pivotal role in translating national economic policies into tangible outcomes that create jobs, support businesses and attract investment.
He identified industrial cluster development, MSME growth, export promotion, investment facilitation and value chain development as key areas requiring stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.
The Permanent Secretary also announced that the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, themed “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration,” will hold in Enugu State from 20–24 July 2026, urging all Commissioners to participate actively.
On behalf of the Forum, the Coordinating Chair, Hon. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Ministers for receiving the Commissioners and reaffirmed the commitment of all 36 states to working closely with the Federal Government.
She described the engagement as far more than a courtesy visit, saying it reflected a shared resolve to align federal and state efforts towards promoting industrialization, investment, enterprise development and trade competitiveness.
She also assured the Ministry of the Forum’s full support in ensuring successful preparations for CANEX WKND 2026 and the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Director of Investment Promotion, Mr. Olusola Iyola David expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for the productive engagement and wished them safe journeys back to their respective states.
The meeting concluded with both the Federal Government and the states reaffirm their commitment to institutionalising regular engagement, strengthening policy coordination and fostering strategic partnerships that will accelerate industrial development, expand exports, attract quality investments and position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for business, manufacturing and trade.
Obilor -Duru Augustina Okechi
Head Press & PR
FMITI
30th June 2026
