By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI), held in Enugu with a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness, expanding trade opportunities and attracting investments to drive inclusive economic growth.
The five-day Council, held from July 20 to 24 at Hotel Presidential, Enugu, is themed: “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration.”
The meeting brought together the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu; chief executives of agencies and parastatals under the ministry, commissioners for Industry, Trade and Investment from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, permanent secretaries, development partners, members of the organised private sector and other key stakeholders.
Participants are expected to deliberate on policy measures aimed at improving Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness, promoting trade, attracting investment and accelerating inclusive economic growth.
Delivering the welcome address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, welcomed delegates on behalf of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the government and people of Enugu State.
He described the Council as a timely platform for developing practical strategies to enhance industrial growth, facilitate trade and create a more investment-friendly environment across the country.
According to him, the theme underscores the need for practical reforms, stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, increased private sector participation, improved productivity and expanded access to regional and global markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ogbu-Nwobodo expressed optimism that deliberations at the Council would produce actionable resolutions capable of accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global economy.
