The Federal Government has taken fresh steps to advance its industrial reform and export competitiveness agenda with the inauguration of key governing boards and a high-level engagement with the organised private sector in Abuja.
The series of events, led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, underscored the administration’s renewed focus on institutional strengthening, quality assurance and sustained public–private collaboration as drivers of economic transformation.
This was contained in a statement on Friday, by Augustina Obilor-Duru, Head of Press and Public Relations Department.
Activities began with the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA).
Delivering opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, emphasised the importance of strong institutional leadership, effective governance and policy alignment in achieving national economic objectives.
Inaugurating the Board, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described oil and gas free zones as strategic tools for industrialisation, investment attraction and value chain development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She charged the Board to provide sound oversight and regulatory discipline in line with the OGFZA Act, while ensuring that government incentives deliver measurable economic value.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the inauguration marked a critical milestone in Nigeria’s export-led growth journey, stressing that export processing zones must function as engines of production, job creation and foreign exchange earnings, with clear expectations for performance and accountability.
Responding on behalf of the Board, OGFZA Chairman, Mrs. Lydia Kalat Musa, thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged responsible leadership, stakeholder collaboration and effective execution of the Authority’s mandate.
The Ministry also inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
Ambassador Rimi reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support industrial growth, export expansion and investor confidence.
Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed that export processing zones remain central to diversifying the economy through non-oil exports, manufacturing growth and deeper integration into regional and global value chains.
Senator Enoh added that effective governance, transparency and decisive action are essential to unlocking the full potential of the zones.
NEPZA Board Chairman, Senator Tijani Yahaya Laura, expressed appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve and pledged collective action with Board members and management to advance the Authority’s objectives in line with national priorities.
The final inauguration of the day was that of the Governing Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Ambassador Rimi highlighted the role of institutional cooperation, policy coherence and international best practices in strengthening Nigeria’s standards and quality infrastructure.
Addressing the Council, Dr. Oduwole described standards as a cornerstone of economic transformation, vital for consumer protection, industrial growth and global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
Senator Enoh reinforced the importance of standardisation and compliance in promoting investor confidence, fair competition and industrial self-reliance.
In his acceptance remarks, SON Council Chairman, Honourable Yahuzu Ado Inuwa, thanked President Tinubu for the trust placed in the Council and pledged to strengthen quality assurance, compliance mechanisms and stakeholder engagement.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Oduwole hosted a delegation from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to deepening public–private sector collaboration as a catalyst for investment, industrial development and economic growth.
Leading the delegation, LCCI President and Chairman of Council, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, said the visit was aimed at strengthening engagement with the Ministry and aligning private sector priorities with ongoing reforms.
He commended government efforts to reposition Nigeria as a competitive trade and investment destination and highlighted key policy concerns and business challenges facing the private sector.
Engr. Kupoluyi also congratulated the Minister on Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos and reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for Nigeria’s trade promotion and enterprise development agenda.
Collectively, the engagements signalled the Federal Government’s renewed push for effective governance, quality assurance and strong partnerships with the private sector as central pillars of Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation drive.