Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has announced major gains in the implementation of its Renewed Hope Agenda, recording over US$24.1 billion in capital importation, generating more than US$6.1 billion in non-oil exports, and supporting over 115,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as it intensifies efforts to build a $1 trillion economy. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press, and Public Relations, FMITI.
The achievements were highlighted at the opening of the Technical Session of the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment that commenced on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hotel Presidential, Enugu State where government officials, state representatives and key stakeholders gathered to review progress and chart the next phase of Nigeria’s industrial, trade and investment agenda.
Declaring the session open on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the technical session as the engine room of the Council’s decision-making process, where policy memoranda are rigorously examined, implementation challenges addressed and practical recommendations developed.
He said the 2026 theme, “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration,” reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to deepen industrialisation, boost productivity, attract investment, expand exports, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
He also highlighted key reforms, including the operationalisation of the National Single Window, trade facilitation initiatives, digital public infrastructure and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while urging delegates to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations through stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector and development partners.
In their goodwill messages, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, and the Permanent Secretary of the Enugu State Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Ifeanyi Onah, welcomed delegates and showcased Enugu State’s investor-friendly environment.
They highlighted reforms such as Executive Order 007, which has improved the ease of doing business and government efficiency, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, security, MSME growth and investment promotion.
Presenting the implementation status of the 16th NCITI resolutions, the Director of Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics (PPR&S), Mrs. Iya Gamawa, reported significant progress across the 22 resolutions adopted at the previous Council.
She cited achievements in digital trade facilitation, industrial development, AfCFTA implementation, MSME support, infrastructure development and evidence-based industrial policy.
She further disclosed that over 40,000 exporters have been on boarded onto the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s digital export registration platform, while strengthened regulatory systems, expanded Special Economic Zones and improved access to finance continue to improve Nigeria’s business environment.
Reviewing the Ministry’s performance under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mrs. Gamawa announced that, in addition to attracting over US$24.1 billion in capital importation and generating more than US$6.1 billion in non-oil exports, the Ministry has advanced plans for a ₦350 billion MSME Development Fund to accelerate enterprise growth.
She noted that 2026 marks the first full year of implementing the Nigeria Industrial Policy (2025–2035), which prioritises industrialisation, strategic value chains, digital transformation and stronger partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth and position Nigeria among the world’s leading economies.
The technical session will continue with the consideration of memoranda submitted by the Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State Governments and other stakeholders, with delegates expected to adopt far-reaching resolutions that will shape Nigeria’s industrial, trade and investment agenda over the next year.
The resolutions will be presented for adoption at the Executive session of the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.
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