Ministerial Press Briefing: Advancing Nigeria’s Industrial Transformation

0
The Hon. Min . Trade and Investment, FMITI, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (left) the Hon. Min. of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, (middle) the Hon.Min of State (Industry) FMITI, Sen. John Owan Enoh (right) during the Ministerial Press briefing hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja on Tuesday 05/03/25.
The Hon. Min . Trade and Investment, FMITI, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (left) the Hon. Min. of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, (middle) the Hon.Min of State (Industry) FMITI, Sen. John Owan Enoh (right) during the Ministerial Press briefing hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja on Tuesday 05/03/25.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, convened a Ministerial Press Briefing today to provide an update on the ministry’s key achievements, policies, and reforms under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh.

The ministry remains committed to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by driving strategic reforms and industrial initiatives aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Dr Jumoke Oduwola highlighted significant milestones achieved in the first 100 days in office, which include progress in trade expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), landmark investment initiatives positioning Nigeria as a premier investment destination in Africa as the establishment of the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG).

Attended by senior government officials, agency heads, and members of the press, the event served as an interactive forum for transparent discussions on economic development, trade facilitation, and investment promotion. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s broader efforts to ensure that citizens remain well-informed and engaged in governance.

Honourable Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing initiatives, accomplishments, and future objectives. Her presentation was followed by a Q&A session, enabling media representatives to seek further clarification on government policies and reforms.

The briefing also emphasized the administration’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, reflecting Nigeria’s long-term economic aspirations.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the session underscored the importance of public participation in shaping national progress. Dr Oduwole outlined the ministry’s strategic vision for 2025 and beyond, with a focus on strengthening industrial capacity, improving trade facilitation, and fostering investment opportunities for both local and international stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, highlighted the critical role of the media in fostering an informed and participatory democracy. He commended journalists for their commitment to responsible reporting and urged them to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism, particularly in combating misinformation.

“The media plays a fundamental role in our democracy, ensuring that Nigerians remain informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute to governance. Your responsibility in delivering factual and balanced reports is essential in reinforcing democratic gains and communicating the government’s transformative efforts across various sectors,” he stated.

A key focus of the briefing was the recently approved 2025 National Budget, valued at $54.2 billion—the largest in Nigeria’s history. Designed to drive economic growth, enhance national security, develop critical infrastructure, and strengthen human capital, the budget serves as a blueprint for economic resilience and social progress. With a renewed focus on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial development, it underscores the administration’s commitment to national prosperity.

“The 2025 budget is more than just a financial plan; it is a declaration of intent. It reflects our unwavering commitment to economic stability, social development, and national progress. Already, its impact is becoming evident, with a gradual reduction in food prices providing much-needed relief to Nigerians,” the minister noted.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole’s Statement: Dr. Oduwole highlighted significant milestones achieved in the first 100 days in office, which include progress in trade expansion under the AfCFTA and landmark investment initiatives positioning Nigeria as a premier investment destination in Africa. “Our goal is to foster sustainable development, attract investments, and position Nigeria as a competitive player on the global stage. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”

Senator John Owan Enoh’s Statement on the IRWG: “The inauguration of the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s industrial sector. This elite task force is set to revolutionize the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) by fostering a modern, innovation-driven economy. The IRWG will identify potential risks and challenges, enabling proactive risk assessment and mitigation measures. By analyzing industry trends, the IRWG will provide predictive results to inform strategic planning and decision-making. Our goal is to create a scalable impact on Nigeria’s economy, driving growth and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris’s Remarks:
Mr Idris highlighted the critical role of the media in fostering an informed and participatory democracy. He commended journalists for their commitment to responsible reporting and urged them to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism, particularly in combating misinformation. “The media plays a fundamental role in our democracy, ensuring that Nigerians remain informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute to governance.”

Future Plans: Looking ahead, the Ministry is committed to furthering economic diversification, supporting SMEs, and enhancing Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape. Initiatives such as the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ), and the revitalization of the Cotton, Textile, and Garments (CTG) industry are set to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s industrial sectors.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the media, fostering dialogue on policies driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation.

Signed

Adebayo Thomas PhD
Director of Press and Public Relations
For further information, please contact:
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment
Old Secretariat Area 1, Garki, FCT, Nigeria
Email: info@fmiti.gov.ng