Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation, enhancing trade competitiveness and attracting sustainable investments as the Executive Session of the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI) commenced in Enugu State on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMITI.
Speaking at the opening of the Council, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, announced that Nigeria has recorded over US$50 billion in facilitated foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments, US$6.1 billion in non-oil exports, more than ₦600 billion in Bank of Industry financing, over 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) captured in the national database, and nearly 300,000 Nigerians supported through skills development programmes. She described these milestones as clear evidence of the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s steady progress towards building a US$1 trillion economy.
Dr. Oduwole stated that the Ministry remains focused on translating economic reforms into measurable outcomes through increased production, expanded exports, investment attraction and job creation.
Speaking on the Council’s theme, “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration,” she outlined the Government’s priority areas, including industrial cluster development, manufacturing expansion, investment facilitation, digital trade, implementation of the National Single Window, strengthened intellectual property protection and deeper participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She further charged all implementing institutions to ensure that Council resolutions are backed by clear ownership, timelines and measurable deliverables, stressing that the 17th NCITI must produce practical outcomes that advance Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Declaring the Council open on behalf of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, called on stakeholders to address structural constraints affecting Nigeria’s competitiveness, including high financing costs, regulatory bottlenecks and limited access to development finance.
He urged stronger collaboration among governments, financial institutions and the private sector to create an enabling environment for industrial growth, investment and employment generation.
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 through the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG), with a focus on affordable industrial financing, value addition, manufacturing expansion and stronger public-private partnerships to increase industry’s contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Earlier, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Enugu State, Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, welcomed delegates and highlighted the state’s reforms in infrastructure, security, digital governance, investment facilitation and ease of doing business.
He reaffirmed that Enugu State remains a preferred destination for investment and industrial development.
In separate goodwill messages, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) pledged continued partnership with the Federal Government to strengthen industrial development, improve competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth.
Closing the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, appreciated the Enugu State Government, development partners, the organised private sector and all delegates for their support.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations of the 17th NCITI would produce actionable resolutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization, expand trade, attract greater investment and foster inclusive economic growth.
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