South east gov urges FG to establish Robust policy framework

By Philippine Duru

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Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape through a coherent and investor-friendly policy framework capable of unlocking industrial growth, boosting competitiveness and attracting sustainable investments.

Mbah made the call during the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment held in Enugu, where policymakers, industry leaders, development partners and commissioners from across the country gathered to deliberate on strategies for accelerating economic growth through industrialisation and expanded trade.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor said Nigeria’s aspiration to become a globally competitive economy would only be achieved through consistent policies that eliminate bottlenecks to investment and create a predictable business environment.

He stressed that government at all levels must prioritise reforms that improve access to finance, bridge infrastructure deficits and ensure effective implementation of economic policies to enhance the country’s competitiveness.

According to Mbah, investors require policy stability, regulatory certainty and efficient institutions before committing long-term capital, adding that Nigeria must adopt a framework that supports industrial development, encourages local manufacturing and promotes value addition.

“The country must deliberately remove barriers that discourage investment while creating an enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive and compete globally,” he said.

The governor noted that strengthening industrial capacity would not only stimulate economic growth but also generate employment opportunities, increase exports and improve the nation’s resilience against external economic shocks.

He urged the Federal Government to work closely with state governments and the private sector in designing policies that respond to regional economic strengths and promote inclusive development.

Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government remained committed to translating President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms into increased production, investment, exports and job creation.

She disclosed that government interventions had facilitated more than $50 billion in foreign direct investment commitments, generated about $6.1 billion in non-oil exports, supported nearly 300,000 Nigerians through skills development programmes, and expanded financing for businesses through the Bank of Industry.

Oduwole described the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment as an important platform for aligning federal and state economic strategies, noting that competitiveness would depend on Nigeria’s ability to improve productivity, strengthen logistics, deepen industrialisation and attract quality investments.

She added that the ministry was implementing reforms aimed at strengthening manufacturing, agro-processing, industrial clusters, special economic zones, technology development and skills acquisition, while urging states to leverage their comparative advantages to develop investment-ready projects.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, said the Nigerian Industrial Policy 2025 provides the roadmap for transforming industry into a major driver of economic growth, employment and export competitiveness.

He maintained that Nigeria must shift from exporting raw materials to promoting domestic manufacturing and value addition if it hopes to compete effectively in regional and global markets.

The four-day council, themed “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration,” is expected to produce resolutions aimed at strengthening policy implementation, expanding trade opportunities and positioning Nigeria as a preferred investment destination.