Posts in category: Initiatives

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has taken a decisive step toward industrial transformation with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asian Economic Development Committee.

The agreement, which signals Nigeria’s transition from industrial policy articulation to practical execution under the newly approved National Industrial Policy, underscore the government’s resolve to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and position Nigeria as a competitive industrial hub in Africa.

The partnership is anchored on four priority areas: the establishment of electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in Nigeria, the rollout of a nationwide EV charging infrastructure, structured technology transfer, and the systematic training and capacity development of Nigerian professionals. Implementation will follow a phased approach, beginning with vehicle assembly and advancing steadily toward full in-country production.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s broader industrial strategy focused on value addition, job creation, and technology localization. He emphasized that technology transfer, skills development, and Nigerian participation across the EV value chain are central to the success of the initiative while signing the MoU.

The Minister further noted that the electric vehicle sector presents a unique opportunity to combine manufacturing, energy, technology, and sustainability, while reinforcing Nigeria’s Nigeria-First industrial policy. He stressed that disciplined implementation, clear timelines, and institutional coordination would be critical to translating the MoU into factories, jobs, vehicles, and lasting economic impact.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, described the MoU as part of ongoing efforts to revive moribund industries and ensure that existing industrial capacity operates optimally, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Chairman of the Asian Economic Development Committee, Mr. Yun Soo Ho, described the agreement as a historic milestone, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to produce its own national electric vehicle brand and emerge as a leading EV manufacturing country on the African continent. He emphasized that the decision to transfer EV technology was driven by strong political support from the Nigerian government and the clear commitment demonstrated by the Ministry and the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
On behalf of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, representative of the Council reaffirmed their mandate to drive sustainable automotive industry development, enhance local content, and integrate Nigeria into global automotive value chains. He noted that the MoU is not merely a statement of intent but a practical bridge between Nigeria’s market potential and Asia’s manufacturing and technological expertise.

The signing of this MoU marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s industrial journey, laying the foundation for sustainable manufacturing, technological advancement, and the country’s emergence as a leading electric vehicle hub in Africa.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, yesterday joined top government and private sector leaders at the 2025 National MSME Conference held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The high-profile gathering, hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) under its “Grow Nigerian” initiative, focused on the theme: “Building a Future of Innovation, Resilience and Prosperity.”

Also in attendance were renowned entrepreneur and Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu; the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs; representatives of the Lagos, Kaduna and Cross River State Governments; heads of major Business Membership Organisations (BMOs); and several captains of industry, financial institutions and development partners.

Senator Owan Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to driving industrial expansion through MSME empowerment, noting that the subsector remains central to job creation, economic diversification and sustainable national growth.

The 3-day conference featured strategic policy sessions, exhibitions, innovation showcases and partnership engagements aimed at addressing challenges faced by entrepreneurs and unlocking greater access to finance, skills and markets.

Participants expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference will translate into stronger support systems capable of accelerating MSME productivity and strengthening Nigeria’s overall industrial competitiveness.

As part of efforts to ensure industrial growth and revive moribund industries, the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) convened a two-day technical session in Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The session for day one marked a decisive shift from policy discussions to actionable strategies, reinforcing a commitment to execution over rhetoric.

In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Rimi Abba, represented by Bala Mohammed, Director of the Industrial Development Department, stressed the urgent need for results-driven execution, highlighting the direct impact of industrial growth on employment, economic resilience, local production capacity, and export expansion.

The Director General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) shared critical insights into the session’s thematic focus, emphasising the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. Representing GIZ, Dr. Dada Olusegun reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustainable development and its ongoing partnership with the ministry to drive skills development and sustainability.

The President of MAN and Co-Chair of IRWG, Otumba Francis Ivieshioye OFR, encouraged participants to actively contribute by leveraging their expertise to shape the future of Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Setting the tone for the discussions, Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry and Chairperson of IRWG, delivered a powerful address.

“We gather here today under no illusion. We are not here for symbolism or to add another page to government archives. We are here because something must change—permanently and decisively, in how we execute Nigeria’s industrial ambition.” Enoh stated.

He further noted that, for too long, industrial policy discussions lacked speed and consistency, resulting in slow and inconsistent progress. He emphasised that IRWG was established not as an advisory body but as an operational force focused on tangible results.

The Minister stated that the success of IRWG’s work must be measured by the momentum created, the systems improved, the industries revived, and the jobs enabled. To ensure accountability, he urged participants to focus discussions on execution, setting measurable targets for 90 days, six months, and one year while establishing a framework for continuous evaluation.

He also announced that the Draft National Industrial Policy was ready for revalidation and assured participants that it would serve as a dynamic framework tackling Nigeria’s most pressing industrial challenges, including energy insecurity, logistics issues, talent gaps, workforce development, and shifts in global supply chains.

Participants engaged in structured discussions centered on key industrial priorities such as unlocking long-term financing and incentives for SMEs and major industries, strengthening energy security and infrastructure to support manufacturing, simplifying bureaucratic processes to eliminate regulatory bottlenecks, promoting Made-in-Nigeria initiatives and enforcing anti-contraband measures, and addressing the skills gap while embracing technological innovation.

The session ended satisfactorily, reinforcing the need for execution-driven thinking while ensuring that every proposal translates into real industrial impact.