By Lucy Ogalue
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG) to drive Nigeria’s industrial revitalisation and economic transformation.
The Minister of State for Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, inaugurated the group on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Enoh, the initiative aims to reposition the country’s industrial sector by fostering innovation, enhancing production, and strengthening global competitiveness.
He said the IRWG would play a pivotal role in shifting Nigeria from a consumer-driven economy to an industrial powerhouse.
“This initiative is not just another policy framework but a transformative movement to industrialise, innovate, and elevate Nigeria,” he said.
Enoh emphasised the importance of a structured and results-driven approach to industrialisation, adding that the vision of the IRWG would be achieved through four transformative pillars.
“Revitalising dormant industries, expanding export markets, improving infrastructure and energy solutions, and leveraging technology for workforce development ” he said.
“The journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but history will not measure us by the magnitude of the obstacles; rather, it will judge us by our resolve to surmount them.
“Nigeria must transcend its role as a mere consumer economy. We must produce, we must innovate, and we must lead.
“I extend a resolute invitation to every stakeholder government bodies, private sector pioneers, global investors, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs to recognise this endeavour as a national imperative,” Enoh said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Amb. Nura Rimi, described the initiative as a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s transformation agenda.
“Your nomination as members of this working group is a call to duty. Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to produce, innovate, and compete globally,” Rimi said.
He added that a thriving industrial sector would strengthen the Naira, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Similarly, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), expressed confidence in the IRWG’s potential to deliver results.
“This is not the first time Nigeria is setting up an industrial working group, but I believe in the capacity of this team to make a difference,” he said.
Also, Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr John Uwajumogu, reiterated the importance of a strong industrial base in driving transformative economic growth.
“We often talk about our population as an advantage, but if we do not grow our economy at a pace that sustains our people, it becomes a challenge. Industrialisation is the solution,” he said.
He urged the working group to focus on locally driven solutions, drawing lessons from Asia’s industrial success stories.
Meanwhile, Dr Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), commended the initiative, noting that Nigeria must learn from global manufacturing leaders.
“The top 10 manufacturing countries in the world account for 71 per cent of global manufacturing output, with China leading.
“Nigeria must position itself to maximise its comparative and competitive advantages,” he said.
Bamidele reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting the initiative, adding that the organisation’s current programme, running until 2028, aligned with Nigeria’s industrial goals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
It marks a significant step by the Nigerian government toward achieving the country’s industrial ambitions.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA