The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has said the Ministry is ready to take long-term measures that will help strengthen the Nation’s economy by synergizing with government and other relevant stakeholders in driving more trade, investment and formation of new industries. 

While speaking after the inaugural Federal Executive Council Meeting FEC held today at the Presidential Villa, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Dr Doris, however, noted that; the Trade and Investment Ministry have received briefing from different heads of parastatals and agencies over the week and has set the ball rolling in a bid to put the country on the path of prosperity by igniting all possible policies that will enhance more trade activities in small scale and large scale. She said, the head of agencies under her supervision have submitted their work plan and policy documents and have started putting their plans into work-in-action that will touch every aspect of the nation’s economy in no time.

While pleading with Nigerians to be more patient with the administration, She averred that; the action and policy plan aims to strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and other countries. It will also be a guide and driving force to the actualisation of a thriving economy that is self-sufficient and sustainable. “I have received briefing from the agencies under my ministry and I have ordered them to get to work by putting their plans into action. Any moment from now, Nigerians will feel the ripple effect of our policies as it would touch every sector of the economy. Farmers, traders, manufacturers, and exporters among others will receive a major boost soon. We are working round the clock to ensure Nigerians do business without hassle. We are also breeding more SMEs and business owners within the teeming youth demography to encourage more startups.”

“To promote trade in Nigeria, we need to set an enabling environment with the right policies protecting local production to enable self self-sufficiency, reduction of importation and promoting exportation which will in turn drive more Forex into the economy. We want to transition from an oil-dependent nation and consuming economy to a producing economy. We will declare a state of emergency anywhere we need to do so to ensure speedy intervention. She added.

Uzoka-Anite also noted that she is working tirelessly to ensure the revitalization of existing industries and also attract more investment and industries locally to create jobs; reducing the unemployment rate drastically. “We need to create more industry and the only way to create that is to give incentives and more support to existing companies facing hardship. In a bid to attract other investments, we need to sustain the existing ones and make sure they don’t fold up and lay off staff adding to the unemployment rate. We will roll out palliatives to business owners, entrepreneurs and other employers of Labour. We will also project Nigeria as an investment hub for intending investors with our participation at the United Nations General Assembly UNGA in New York and the G20 Summit in India.” Dr. Doris disclosed.

The Minister also revealed that all hands are on deck in the ministry and anyone who wants to sabotage her effort in bringing positive results to Nigerians will be left behind and sanctioned accordingly. She stated strongly that there would be no room for lagging under her watch in the ministry. 

Oladapo Sofowora 
Media Adviser to the Honorable Minister 

28 August, 2023