The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-powered Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to coordinate preparations for the 2026 International Industrialisation initiative, a major global trade fair scheduled to take place in Abuja.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, said the move underscored the government’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation. He noted that the initiative is designed to reposition the economy through increased production, value addition, and expanded export capacity.
According to him, the programme came at a critical time as Nigeria intensified efforts to transition from a resource-dependent economy to a fully industrialised nation. He emphasised that industrial policy must translate into measurable outcomes, stressing that the committee is expected to drive practical implementation that will impact economic growth.
The minister also highlighted the need for synergy among ministries, departments, and agencies, stating that the committee will bridge existing gaps between policy formulation and execution. He charged members to focus on delivering tangible results in job creation, investment attraction, enterprise development, and export expansion.
In her remarks, the Director of Industrial Development Department at the ministry, Mrs. Muyiwa Ajayi, reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the initiative, describing it as a strategic step toward improving coordination and efficiency in industrial development efforts.
She said the committee would ensure effective planning and execution across sectors, adding that the initiative is structured to boost industrial growth, enhance export development, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Industrial and Commercialisation Awareness Initiative (ICAI), Dr. Robert Agah, described the programme as a transformative platform aimed at positioning Nigeria as a global hub for investment, innovation, and industrial excellence.
He disclosed that the 2026 international event will hold from June 29 to July 12 in Abuja, attracting investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from around the world. According to him, the event will showcase Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural potential, while fostering trade partnerships and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.
Agah stressed that achieving the initiative’s objectives would require strong policy alignment, institutional support, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders. He called for clear targets, accountability, and a results-driven approach to ensure long-term impact.
The inauguration of the steering committee signals renewed efforts by the Federal Government to build a resilient, diversified, and competitive economy capable of sustaining growth and attracting global investment.
