By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with state governments to drive industrialisation, promote investment and expand trade as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja during a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, and commissioners responsible for commerce, trade, industry and investment from across the 36 states.
According to a statement issued by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the meeting focused on aligning federal and state policies to stimulate industrial growth, attract investment, strengthen exports and support enterprise development.
Addressing the commissioners, Oduwole said sustained engagement between the Federal Government and the states is essential for implementing reforms that will unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
She said that Nigeria’s non-oil exports grew by 11 per cent to over $6 billion, driven largely by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and disclosed that regional export readiness programmes have commenced across the country’s geopolitical zones to improve export capacity.
The minister also urged states to participate in CANEX WKND 2026 and preparations for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, saying the events present opportunities to showcase local products, attract investors and strengthen Nigeria’s position in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Speaking at the meeting, Enoh described the industry, trade and investment sector as a major driver of economic development, stressing that the success of the Federal Government’s industrial policy depends on active cooperation with state governments.
He said initiatives such as the Industrial Parks Programme require strong partnerships because many productive assets are owned by the states.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said stronger collaboration in areas such as industrial cluster development, MSME support, export promotion and investment facilitation would help translate national policies into economic opportunities.
He also announced that the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment will be held in Enugu State from July 20 to 24, 2026.
On behalf of the commissioners, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem said the states remain committed to working with the Federal Government to promote industrialisation, improve trade competitiveness and attract investment.
The meeting was attended by commissioners from several states, including Kaduna, Edo, Sokoto and Cross River, and concluded with participants agreeing to strengthen coordination and sustain engagement to advance Nigeria’s industrial and trade agenda.
