Honourable Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh
Nigeria Launches High-Powered Committee Ahead of 2026 Global Industrialisation Drive
By Goodness Ekpang
Nigeria Government has taken a decisive step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation with the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to drive the successful delivery of a major international industrialisation initiative scheduled for 2026 in Abuja.
Inaugurating the committee, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to repositioning the economy through industrial development, value addition, and expanded export capacity.
He described the initiative as timely and strategic, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to transition from a resource-dependent economy to a fully industrialised nation.
“Industrial policy must deliver real results—production is the backbone of national growth, and this committee will ensure we move from plans to measurable impact,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the need for strong synergy across ministries, departments, and agencies, noting that the committee is designed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation. He tasked members with delivering tangible outcomes in job creation, investment attraction, enterprise development, and export expansion, in line with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda.
In her opening remarks, the Director of Industrial Development Department at the Ministry, Mrs. Muyiwa Ajayi, expressed full institutional support for the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward improving coordination and efficiency in Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.
“This committee reflects a shared commitment to collaboration and will ensure effective planning, coordination, and execution across all sectors,” she said.
She added that the initiative is structured to drive industrial growth, enhance export development, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets, while ensuring meaningful stakeholder participation.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Industrial and Commercialisation Awareness Initiative (ICAI), Dr. Robert Agah, highlighted the transformative vision behind the programme, describing it as a strategic platform for economic growth and national development.
“This is not just an event—it is a long-term platform to position Nigeria as a global hub for investment, innovation, and industrial excellence,” he said.
Dr. Agah noted that Nigeria is at a critical stage that requires a deliberate shift to an industrial-driven economy. He revealed that the 2026 international event, scheduled to hold from June 29 to July 12 in Abuja, will attract investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the world.
According to him, the event will showcase Nigeria’s vast industrial and agricultural potential, foster trade partnerships, and support the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises.
He stressed that achieving the initiative’s objectives will depend on strong policy alignment, institutional backing, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders. He also called for clear targets, accountability, and a results-driven approach to ensure lasting impact.
The inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to drive industrialisation and build a resilient, competitive, and diversified economy capable of delivering sustainable growth.
