The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, has committed to ensuring women’s active participation in Nigeria’s industrial revolution, recognising their role as key drivers of economic transformation.
Speaking through a communiqué issued in Lagos on Wednesday, following an event themed “An Evening with the Honourable Minister of State for Industry: Inclusive Industrial Revolution Plan”, Enoh reaffirmed his dedication to fostering an inclusive and sustainable industrial future.
During the event, the minister engaged women industry leaders in discussions aimed at shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape. He acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities facing women in the sector and outlined strategies to create a more inclusive environment. Enoh stressed that for Nigeria’s industrial revolution agenda, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, to be effective, it must fully recognise and integrate women’s contributions.
He emphasised that women play a crucial role in industrial innovation by driving strategy, leading manufacturing, and shaping new market frontiers. He urged them to assert their place in the industrial revolution, as their involvement would be instrumental in influencing policies and initiatives that promote gender inclusion while driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Enoh called for the industrial sector to view women as equal partners in economic development by investing in their leadership just as it does for men. He argued that while industries depend on innovation, fresh thinking, and diverse perspectives, success would be hindered by excluding half of the country’s best minds.
He stressed that this is not merely a gender issue but a matter of competence and industrial competitiveness. If Nigeria is to build a resilient and future-ready industrial sector, outdated mindsets regarding gender roles in industry must be discarded.
The minister further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders to tackle both challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
In her remarks, Mrs Ngozi Oyewole, President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa, urged the minister to support the empowerment of women in industry. She highlighted how women’s insights, experiences, and creativity are critical to driving innovation and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
She noted that by harnessing women’s talents, Nigeria could accelerate industrialisation and significantly enhance productivity across multiple economic sectors. She also emphasised the importance of fostering entrepreneurship, investing in skill development and training, embracing innovation and technology, strengthening collaboration, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting sustainable industrial practices. She concluded that implementing these measures would not only uplift women in industry but also significantly strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic growth
