The newly appointed Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, has committed to revitalizing Nigeria’s industrial and trade sectors to drive economic growth and create jobs.
After taking her oath of office, administered by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Oduwole emphasized her focus on reversing trade policies to promote job opportunities for Nigeria’s youth.
Oduwole prioritized attracting and retaining foreign direct investment (FDI), essential for sustainable growth.
“The time has come for Nigeria to reshape its trade policies to create competitive jobs for our youth,” she stated. She further promised regular performance evaluations to ensure that the ministry meets its targets, aligning with her commitment to accountability and measurable outcomes.
The minister stressed the importance of exporting high-quality Nigerian products to achieve a favorable balance of trade and pledged to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to maximize economic benefits for Nigeria.
Following her oath-taking, Oduwole took a tour of the ministry to familiarize herself with her new environment, a move that reportedly fostered positive relations with ministry staff. Permanent Secretary Nura Rimi expressed optimism about the minister’s leadership, stating, “We are confident that Oduwole’s strategic vision and dynamic approach will bring positive changes to the sector. Her track record speaks volumes, and we look forward to achieving great milestones under her guidance.”
Rimi added that with the collective efforts of the dedicated FMITI staff and Oduwole’s leadership, the ministry is poised to overcome challenges and drive industrial growth to benefit all Nigerians.
Before her current appointment, Oduwole served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), where she spearheaded efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
