The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with state governments to accelerate industrialisation, expand exports, attract investment and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
The commitment was made during a meeting between the Forum of State Commissioners of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, Industry and Investment and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, alongside the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Oduwole described stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments as essential to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
She said the ministry’s priorities are anchored on strategic reform programmes aimed at stimulating industrial growth, expanding trade and attracting investment, stressing that regular engagement and knowledge sharing with sub-national governments would ensure effective implementation of national economic policies.
Highlighting recent milestones, the minister disclosed that Nigeria recorded an unprecedented 11 per cent growth in non-oil exports, valued at more than $6 billion, driven largely by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She also announced that the Federal Government has begun regional export readiness and capacity-building programmes across the country’s geopolitical zones to equip businesses and government officials with the skills needed to maximise export opportunities.
On regional trade, Oduwole described the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrial transformation, noting that the country’s exports to African markets have now surpassed exports to any other region.
She urged all states to actively participate in preparations for CANEX WKND 2026 and the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair, which Nigeria will host from 5 to 11 November 2027.
According to her, Nigeria will also assume the chairmanship of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, providing the country with an opportunity to shape Africa’s trade and industrial agenda.
Also speaking, Senator John Owan Enoh said stronger federal-state collaboration remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s industrialisation, trade and investment objectives.
He described the ministry as one of the country’s most strategic economic institutions and noted that the forthcoming National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment would serve as an important platform for policy coordination.
The minister also stressed the importance of implementing Nigeria’s first comprehensive industrial policy in decades, noting that flagship initiatives such as the Industrial Parks Programme require close collaboration with state governments that own many of the country’s productive industrial assets.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chris Osa Isokpunwu, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to sustained engagement with state governments.
He identified industrial cluster development, MSME growth, export promotion, investment facilitation and value chain development as key areas requiring stronger federal-state cooperation.
Isokpunwu also announced that the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment, themed “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration,” will be held in Enugu from July 20 to 24, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Coordinating Chair and Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, reaffirmed the commitment of all 36 states to working closely with the Federal Government.
She described the engagement as a demonstration of the shared commitment to align federal and state efforts in promoting industrialisation, investment, enterprise development and trade competitiveness, while pledging the forum’s support for the successful hosting of CANEX WKND 2026 and the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.
The meeting ended with both the Federal Government and the states reaffirming their resolve to institutionalise regular engagement, strengthen policy coordination and foster strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating industrial development, expanding exports, attracting quality investments and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for business, manufacturing and trade.
