NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future

147 total views today

By Nana Musa/ Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has signed a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, emphasised the significance of the agreement in repositioning the country’s industrial sector.

Enoh said that the partnership aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding its industrial base to achieve structural economic transformation.

He said that the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IWG) had been inaugurated to coordinate the revitalisation of key industrial assets and value chains

According to Enoh, the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is moving with clarity and urgency to rebuild its industrial base.

He said that it would boost economic growth, and also ensure structural transformation that empowers the people and reduces dependency on primary exports.

Enoh said that the IWG, which he co-chaired with the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, was a stakeholder platform designed to address systemic bottlenecks and fast-track industrial zone development.

The minister said that the PCP aligned with the objectives of the IWG, focusing on agro-industrial transformation, SME development, green and digital transition, and skills for industrial competitiveness.

He expressed optimism that UNIDO’s technical expertise and global perspective would enhance Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts through infrastructure development and catalytic interventions.

“We welcome your presence at the table and look forward to integrating your insights into the group’s core operations.

“Nigeria is laying the foundation for the next chapter in its industrial history by modernising institutions, reforming policies, and strengthening coordination across all levels of government,” he said.

Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering multilateral and bilateral cooperation, urging all stakeholders to transition from agreements to tangible execution.

“As we sign today, we do so with resolve not for the ceremony, but for community-medium impact.

“Let us move together from potential to productivity, from agreement to execution, and from policy to prosperity,” he said.

The Minister Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said that the PCP was expected to boost manufacturing, enhance access to renewable energy, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bagudu said that it would also strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme, adding that Nigeria remained open to international investments and partnerships.

“Nigeria is determined to achieve its economic vision, and we will stay the course,” he said.

The UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Müller, described the PCP as a new phase in Nigeria’s long standing partnership with the organisation, which dates back 40 years

“This initiative focuses on six key areas, including industrial policy, innovation and technology, value chain development, and sustainable energy solutions.

“It will directly support Nigeria’s National Development Plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Müller said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, emphasised that the signing of the PCP marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Fall acknowledged the challenges facing the country but reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside Nigerian authorities and development partners to implement impactful initiatives.

He highlighted the role of UNICEF and other UN agencies in supporting Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian efforts.

He assured stakeholders that the UN remained dedicated to helping Nigeria transition toward a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government, the European Union, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial sector. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

FG reaffirms commitment to leather industry growth

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s leather industry to boost job creation, economic diversification, and industrial development.

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, stated this on Thursday, during a meeting with the Steering Committee on Strategic Implementation Plan of the Leather and Leather Products Policy in Abuja.

He stressed the importance of fully implementing the Leather Policy, highlighting its vast potential for economic transformation.

Enoh urged the committee to document challenges hindering implementation and identify areas where government intervention could accelerate progress.

The minister called for an alternative to ‘ponmo’ (processed cowhide), advocating its use in leather production rather than as food.

He argued that diverting hides and skins into industrial use could significantly contribute to economic growth.

“The leather industry is crucial to our national economy. We must develop it sustainably while ensuring Nigerians have viable consumption alternatives,” Enoh said.

He assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support, calling for stronger collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s position in the global leather market.

Dr Auwal Imam, Chairman of the National Steering Committee, commended the Minister’s proactive approach and highlighted achievements in implementing the Leather Policy.

Imam is also the Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Leather, Science and Technology.

“These include skill acquisition programmes, research advancements, and the establishment of 22 extension centres to support industry players,” he said.

Imam called for greater government involvement in fully implementing the Leather Policy and integrating the sector into national MSME survival programmes.

He urged the provision of single-digit interest loans for leather entrepreneurs, stronger campaigns for Made-in-Nigeria leather products, and a $1 billion Leather Industry Venture Fund to boost investment.

“With proper government backing, Nigeria’s leather sector can compete globally, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the economy,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Economy/Business

FG inaugurates CIPMN council, seeks stronger industry support

303 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing council of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), urging the body to play a more active role in supporting industrial growth.

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, inaugurated the council on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Policy and Government, Dr Adedeji Adeshile, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local industries.

He said that the government had earlier outlined its industrial agenda which prioritised automobile manufacturing and in-country industrialisation.

“I bring good tidings and encouragement to the newly inaugurated global council.

“This year, we released an agenda to support industrialisation, and we look forward to the council to do more to drive this vision,” Enoh said.

He expressed optimism about the proceedings and urged stakeholders to work collaboratively toward achieving national industrial goals.

The Director-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, commended the minister for his presence and emphasised the importance of the institute in regulating project management in Nigeria.

“CIPMN is the only regulatory body responsible for overseeing project management activities across all sectors.

“Project management is not limited to construction; it cuts across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, and business transformation,” Mbadiwe said.

He said that the institute, established by an act of the National Assembly and recognised by the President, was mandated to ensure that all project managers in Nigeria were licensed.

“If you are going to lead project delivery in this country, you must be licensed by this institute,” he said.

Mbadiwe further said that regulations made by CIPMN would be gazetted and enforced as law.

The inauguration, attended by key industry stakeholders, marked a significant step in strengthening project management and industrial development in the country.

Responding on behalf of the council members, the CIPMN President, Emmanuel Afolayan, pledged the commitment and dedication of members to drive the institute’s mandate.

“Our mandate is clear, and by the grace of God, we will adhere to it and do everything possible to ensure that our country is a better place for all its citizens,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

Trade, investment ministry to go fully digital by December – Oduwole

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, says the ministry will fully digitise its operations by the end of 2025 to enhance efficiency.

Oduwole said this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The ceremony took place on the sideline of the Top Management Retreat of the ministry and its agencies.

The minister emphasised the urgency for the digital transition.

According to her, the ministry is just about to start that journey, and the deadline is the end 2025.

“I believe that this ministry is poised to serve Nigeria in a very special way.

“This effort underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations within the ministry.”

The minister commended all heads of agencies and parastatals under the ministry for their  contributions towards driving and ensuring a digitised and effective ministry.

The Co-Founder, AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed the commitment of the foundation to ensure the success of the initiative.

“We firmly believe that the future of Nigeria’s socio-economic development depends strongly on you, the public sector. You are the engine room of growth and development,” she said.

According to her, the foundation has previously played a pivotal role in digitalising the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, turning it into a fully automated institution.

Aig-Imoukhuede said that the partnership would focus on three key pillars: digitalisation, capacity building and performance management.

“The first pillar will move the ministry from manual to automated processes, bringing it in line with 21st-century standards.

“We picked your ministry, because we firmly believe in the work that you are doing.

“Our support will ensure that key trade and industrial policies are executed with greater efficiency,” she said.

She said that capacity building remained a crucial component of the initiative, with efforts geared toward equipping civil servants with the necessary skills to leverage emerging technologies.

“Additionally, performance management systems will be developed to track progress and ensure that the reform efforts yield tangible results.

“We want to help to develop a robust performance management system because that will help to drive the reform efforts,” she said.

Highlight of the event was the signing of a performance bond between the ministry, heads of agencies under its supervision and AIG Imoukhuede foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was part of activities to mark Oduwole’s 100 days in office.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Economy/Business

FG partners NACCIMA for business growth

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Federal Government is partnering with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to address key economic challenges and foster business growth.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said this during an interactive session with members of the organised private sector on Friday in Lagos.

Oduwole outlined her vision for supporting businesses through consistent policies, enhanced access to credit, and actionable measures aimed at reducing economic constraints.

“We have discussed critical issues such as inflation, high interest rates, and the urgent need for single-digit interest rates to boost productivity for businesses across the country.

“Smaller businesses and financial inclusion, especially for underserved sectors, were also central to our discussions,” Oduwole said.

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling market barriers, ensuring investment retention, and creating a thriving business environment.

“As a champion of investment retention, I have assured NACCIMA that businesses in Nigeria will not only thrive but also inspire confidence in foreign direct investors.

“This administration is steadfast in its dedication to policy consistency,” she said.

Oduwole also reiterated the importance of trade facilitation and implementing trade agreements to benefit Nigerian businesses domestically and internationally.

She emphasised that NACCIMA plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with trade rules and expanding market access for businesses.

On export diversification, Oduwole stressed the need to go beyond goods to include services, technology, and the creative sector.

She commended NACCIMA for promoting inclusivity through its support for women and youth entrepreneurs across its 72 chapters.

The minister assured that measurable reforms would commence by January 2025, affirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring prosperity.

She said, “NACCIMA is explicitly mentioned in my mandate, which underscores the importance this administration places on your concerns.”

Commenting, Mr Dele Oye, NACCIMA President, welcomed the partnership, describing the ministry as a crucial link between the government and the private sector.

“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is vital to our operations, including trade fairs and certificates of origin.

“This collaboration will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a business hub and encourage both domestic and foreign investments,” Oye said.

Oye urged members to remain optimistic, restating the minister’s commitment to addressing policy challenges and creating opportunities.

“There’s a new wave of incentives and reforms on the horizon. I encourage our members to seize these opportunities and discourage emigration at a time when Nigeria’s business landscape is set for transformation,” Oye said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Aviation

Women in aviation pledge to advance safety, security in aviation sector

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter (WIA-N), a non-profit organisation, has pledged to advance safety and security in the aviation industry.

Its President, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs Rejoice Ndudinachi, made the pledge at the 2024 WIA Annual Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Ndudinachi assured that Women in Aviation would continue to support and do all it takes to ensure safety and security in the aviation industry “and this, we have been doing and will continue to do.

“In every segment of Nigeria’s aviation industry, women are present and have been making a very significant impact, starting from engineering, management, aero- medical, media, regulation, training, meteorology and security to piloting.

“Ever since WIA was established, the level of commitment and dedication to duties by women in aviation has increased and this has contributed significantly to the numerous achievements that the industry has recorded.”

The president said the members would keep gaining knowledge by attending international WIA conferences on constant basis, urging them to support and cooperate.

“Today, we gather once again as a community of pioneers, advocates, and change makers in aviation. Women in Aviation, Nigeria Chapter is a non-profit organisation. It encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.”

She said the vision of the organisation was to promote public awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of women to aviation development.

According to her, the aims of WIA include fostering, promoting and engaging in aviation education, particularly as it relates to WIA.

Others, she said, were to cultivate, foster and promote interest and understanding among the public on the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation.

“We also aim to encourage the young ones to build up their future in aviation.”

She said WIA-N had established and inaugurated about 17 Aviation Clubs in schools to provide a platform for networking resources and opportunities for women.

“In pursuit of our aims and objectives, we have embarked on public sensitisation programmes, WIA Scholarships, career talks, and other activities to help the young ones to take up a career in aviation.

“For example, Nigeria got the position of first winner and second winner during the September 2024 International girls in aviation day activity raffle draw. The girls made us proud.

“This year, we organised ‘Girls in Aviation Day’  in almost all the airports in Nigeria with the support of aviation agencies, particularly with the support of these beautiful role models and vision achievers in the house,“she said.

She said the organisation  gave handsome gifts to outstanding children to inspire them to pursue careers in aviation.

She said the theme, “Connect, Engage, Inspire“ perfectly encapsulated the essence of the organisation`s mission, vision, and the journey it had embarked.

“As women in aviation, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to inspire. We inspire each other by sharing stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership.

“We also inspire the younger ones to take up a career in aviation, `she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Agriculture

FG, IFAD-SAPZ to boost Nigeria’s agro-industrial dev’t

519 total views today

By FeliciA Imohimi

The Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme have pledged to make all states across the country agro-industrial hubs by 2026.

Dr Dede Ekoue, Country Director, IFAD, made the pledge at the 1st joint Federal Government/IFAD Supervision Mission Wrap-Up of SAPZ on Friday in Abuja.

Ekoue said the gesture would be achieved through the implementation of the project in all states of the federation.

She said that the accelerated pilot intervention in Kano had proven to be highly effective model, laying strong foundation for the project’s future success and ensuring tangible benefits were reaching the targeted rural smallholder farmers.

The country director said the project had so far reached 1000 beneficiaries in Kano out of the 7,398 profiled farmers between September 2024 and September 2025 in the state.

She described the progress achieved so far at the early phase as a strong indicator of its potential to achieve its goal in upcoming years.

“We have already reached over 1000 beneficiaries under the pilot project, which demonstrates our commitment to the targeting strategy and our goal of inclusivity.

“The project is on the right path to meeting the SAPZ’s gender and youth representative targets, with 44.5 per cent of the beneficiaries being female and 28.8 per cent youth.

“As we progresses, we are on track to meet the 50 per cent female and 40 per cent youth representation targets in the targeted areas of Kano and Ogun States.’’

Ekoue identified the target of reaching 24,000 beneficiaries across Ogun and Kano by 2025 as ambitious and achievable.

She called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to accelerate the pace of implementation and prioritise scaling up successful intervention.

“We must continue to strengthen our partnerships; leverage new technologies and adapt quickly to the changing agricultural landscape,” she said.

Ekoue identified other achievements of the project as capacity building for farmer-based organisations, establishment of demonstration plots, partnerships with local institutions, strong collaboration with state and local government and private sector engagement.

She said the project has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Commodity Alliance Federation.

According to her, the gesture is as an important step towards enhancing the livelihoods of farmers by opening new pathways to market opportunities.

Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, said the project’s overall development objective was to support the development of SAPZ in high food production areas to supply the domestic food market and create exportable surpluses.

According to him, it is also to capacitate smallholder farmers, small agro-processors and traders and community-based service providers including women and youth.

Yusuf said the programme was being piloted in Kano and subsequently, Ogun.

He said it would be implemented across the 36 states of the federation through the bye-in of the government.

“If the SAPZ project is implemented across all the state it will directly or indirectly create at least 500,000 jobs in each states outside the jobs that will spring up along the value chain.

“l am optimistic that as we have reach our pilot target group, we will rich our target in 2025 and the issue of food security will be history

“We will at that point develop infrastructure for our processing industry and by the end of 2026 we will have full fledge SAPZ and agro-Industrial development across the country,’’ he said.

Mr Musa Bukar, Director, Project Coordinating Unit, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMFS), said the supervision mission was to access the level of implementation of the project in Kano and identify key bottleneck.

“The mission is also to make recommendation on way forward to accelerate progress.

“SAPZ has successfully foster collaboration with key stakeholders including the Kano State ministry of agriculture, agro-pastoral development programme, among others.

“These efforts help assure that the project aligned with local needs and provides a strong foundation for the project’s successes and quality improvement,’’ he said.

Tabi Karikari, Chief Agro-Industrial Officer, African Development Bank (AfDB), who identified SAPZ as a game changer, said it was accelerated for its capacity to change any rural communities from zones of misery to becoming zones of prosperity. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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