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.