Industrialisation: FG inaugurates working group for economic transformation
The Federal Government has officially launched the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s industrial revitalisation and broader economic transformation.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, inaugurated the group on Thursday in Abuja.
Enoh explained that the initiative aims to reposition Nigeria’s industrial sector by fostering innovation, enhancing production capabilities, and strengthening its global competitiveness.
He stated that the IRWG would play a central role in transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven economy into an industrial powerhouse.
“This initiative is not just another policy framework, but a transformative movement designed to industrialise, innovate, and elevate Nigeria,” he said.
Enoh underscored the importance of a structured and results-focused approach to industrialisation, outlining that the vision of the IRWG would be realised through four key pillars of transformation.
“These pillars include revitalising dormant industries, expanding export markets, improving infrastructure and energy solutions, and harnessing technology to develop a skilled workforce,” he explained.
“The path ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but history will not measure us by the scale of the obstacles; instead, it will judge us by our determination to overcome them.
“Nigeria must move beyond being a mere consumer economy. We must produce, we must innovate, and we must lead.
“I invite every stakeholder—government bodies, private sector pioneers, global investors, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs—to recognise this endeavour as a national imperative,” Enoh urged.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Nura Rimi, described the initiative as a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda.
“Your appointment as members of this working group is a call to action. Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to produce, innovate, and compete on the global stage,” Rimi said.
He added that a thriving industrial sector would strengthen the Naira, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
Similarly, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), expressed confidence in the IRWG’s ability to deliver tangible results.
“This is not the first time Nigeria has set up an industrial working group, but I am confident in the capacity of this team to make a meaningful difference,” he said.
Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. John Uwajumogu, emphasised the importance of building a strong industrial base as a driver of transformative economic growth.
“We often speak of our population as an advantage, but if we do not grow our economy at a pace that supports our people, it becomes a challenge. Industrialisation is the solution,” he said.
He urged the working group to focus on locally driven solutions, drawing insights from the industrial success stories of Asian economies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), commended the initiative, highlighting that Nigeria must learn from the world’s leading manufacturing countries.
“The top 10 manufacturing nations globally account for 71 per cent of total manufacturing output, with China at the forefront.
“Nigeria must position itself to fully leverage its comparative and competitive advantages,” he said.
Bamidele reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts, adding that the organisation’s ongoing programme, which runs until 2028, aligns with the country’s industrial goals.
The inauguration event brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
It marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian government’s efforts to realise the country’s ambitious industrialisation objectives.