By Joy Onu
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, has called for stronger cooperation between her ministry and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to effectively communicate Nigeria’s economic reforms and investment opportunities to the global community.
In a press release issued to journalists on Friday by Obilor-Duru Augustina Okechi, Head, Press & PR, Oduwole’s visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday in Abuja, was highlighted as a key step in strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration for national development.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister stressed that strategic communication will be essential in projecting the Federal Government’s reform efforts and industrialisation drive under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She explained that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is working to deepen economic diversification by strengthening the non-oil sector, expanding export capacity and attracting new investments into key productive industries.
Looking ahead to 2026, Oduwole outlined several priority areas that will guide the ministry’s policy direction and programmes aimed at improving Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
One of the major priorities, she said, is to increase Nigeria’s access to global and regional markets in order to stimulate non-oil exports and scale up industrial productivity.
According to the minister, many Nigerian businesses are already positioned to expand beyond the domestic market, adding that government initiatives will focus on improving access to finance, incentives and supportive policies to help them grow.
Oduwole also highlighted plans to strengthen local production capacity so that Nigerian companies can supply goods and services that meet international export standards.
As part of this effort, the ministry intends to undertake a nationwide engagement tour with state governments and stakeholders to promote opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
She further identified the attraction of strategic investments in infrastructure, technology and industrial development as another central focus for the ministry.
The minister pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing participation in global investment forums, including engagements such as Nigeria House at the World Economic Forum, as part of broader efforts to promote the country’s economic potential to international partners.
Responding, Idris commended Oduwole’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape, noting that her work in advancing economic reforms began long before her appointment to the Federal Executive Council.
He assured that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to support efforts to publicise Nigeria’s economic initiatives and ensure that investors and citizens alike are aware of the opportunities emerging from ongoing reforms.
Idris also pointed to encouraging economic signals under the Tinubu administration, including improvements in foreign reserves and renewed investor interest.
He added that policy reforms in sectors such as power and finance are expected to further enhance the country’s investment climate and stimulate industrial growth.
Both ministers agreed on the need for sustained collaboration between their ministries to ensure Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda is effectively communicated and supported both domestically and internationally.
