Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has committed to empowering local businesses with effective trade policies. She made this pledge on her first day in office on Monday in Abuja, outlining her vision to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises and promote economic growth.
Oduwole emphasized that trade policies must be tailored to the specific needs of Nigerian businesses. “Trade policy must work for Nigerian businesses. We must ensure that our trade agreements, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), are optimized for the benefit of local enterprises,” she stated. She highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to retain investments and thrive in Nigeria.
The minister expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the ministry and its agencies, stressing the need for regular meetings to set measurable targets. “What gets measured gets done. When we focus on what is measured and we work in a systemic manner, we will not be under pressure. We set targets, we set timelines, and we monitor them. We escalate promptly, and we do differently,” Oduwole explained. She added that President Bola Tinubu expects a sense of urgency in achieving these goals.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Nigerian businesses, including energy constraints and market access issues, Oduwole reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing these barriers through partnerships with other ministries. She assured stakeholders of her dedication to collaborating with relevant bodies to create productive jobs and enhance Nigeria’s export capabilities.
Earlier, Amb. Nura Rimi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, expressed the ministry’s readiness to support Oduwole in realizing her vision. “We all know what is required in Nigeria, but without strong leadership and strong followership, nothing can be achieved. The president chose her because he knew that she was the right person. So, we must come out of our shell to support her,” he urged.
With these commitments, Oduwole aims to deliver tangible results for Nigerian businesses in the near future, fostering a more robust economic environment across the nation.
