The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial transformation, export competitiveness and quality assurance with the inauguration of key governing boards under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside a high-level engagement with the organised private sector in Abuja.
The series of activities began with the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, stressed the importance of strong institutional leadership, policy alignment and effective governance in driving national economic objectives.
Inaugurating the Board, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described oil and gas free zones as strategic tools for industrialisation, investment attraction and value-chain development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She urged Board members to ensure regulatory discipline and translate government incentives into tangible economic outcomes.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the inauguration marked a major governance milestone in Nigeria’s export-led growth journey. He emphasised the need for export processing zones to deliver measurable results in production, employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Responding on behalf of the Board, the OGFZA Chairman, Mrs. Lydia Kalat Musa, thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged responsible leadership and effective collaboration with stakeholders.
The second event was the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). Ambassador Rimi reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to strengthen institutional frameworks for industrial growth and investor confidence.
Dr. Oduwole said the Federal Government was determined to reposition export processing zones as drivers of non-oil exports and manufacturing growth, while Senator Enoh stressed the importance of transparency and decisive action in unlocking the zones’ potential.
In his acceptance speech, NEPZA Chairman, Senator Tijani Yahaya Laura, expressed appreciation to the President and pledged collective commitment to advancing the Authority’s mandate in line with national priorities.
The day also featured the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Ambassador Rimi highlighted the need for policy coherence and adherence to international best practices in strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure.
Addressing the Council, Dr. Oduwole described standards as central to economic transformation, consumer protection and global competitiveness. Senator Enoh added that effective standardisation was vital for industrial self-reliance and fair competition.
The SON Governing Council Chairman, Honourable Yahuzu Ado Inuwa, pledged to strengthen compliance, promote quality assurance and engage stakeholders in building a standards-driven economy.
Earlier, the Minister hosted a delegation of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, on a courtesy visit. Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed government’s commitment to deepening public–private collaboration as a catalyst for investment and economic growth.
Engr. Kupoluyi commended the Ministry’s reform efforts and outlined key private sector concerns, including regulatory reforms, value-chain development and trade facilitation. He also congratulated the Minister on Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 in Lagos and pledged LCCI’s support.
The series of engagements underscored the Federal Government’s renewed focus on institutional strengthening, effective governance, quality assurance and sustained partnership with the private sector as pillars of Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation agenda.
