By Vivian Emoni

Dr Chris Isokpunwu, Permeant Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, says

government is prioritising non-oil exports, job creation and youth participation in the creative economy.

Isokpunwu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND2026, in Lagos on Friday.

He said that the CANEX WKND2026 would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigerian businesses, promote export-ready products and attract foreign investment.

“The CANEX is strengthening support for young entrepreneurs through funding and policies to expand Nigeria’s creative industry as well as attracting investors to the country,” he said.

The permanent secretary expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and the participation of organisations from Nigeria and other countries.

He said the diversity of exhibitors and business interests demonstrated the potential of the exhibition to promote trade and investment.

Isokpunwu described the strong participation of Nigerian businesses as particularly encouraging, noting that many exhibitors had products ready for export.

He said CANEX would showcase Nigerian goods and services to the international market while exposing investors to available opportunities.

According to him, the ministry’s mandate includes expanding exports, creating jobs, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and promoting industrialisation.

He said the government was also committed to attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

He added that efforts were underway to promote value addition to locally produced commodities before exporting them.

On funding for young entrepreneurs, he said mechanisms had been established to ensure that funds provided through partnerships reached their intended beneficiaries.

The permanent secretary said the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) was working within an established framework, while the African Development Bank had safeguards.

He said the government’s Startup Act provided a framework for encouraging and supporting emerging businesses, particularly those driven by young entrepreneurs.

Isokpunwu noted that Nigerian youths were making significant contributions to the creative industry, including music, comedy, gastronomy and sports.

He cited the achievements of Nigerian musicians, comedians and culinary entrepreneurs, adding that government support and funding opportunities would strengthen youth.

He added that the support would also enhance participation and expand the industry’s contribution to economic growth. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

VOE/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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