The newly appointed Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), Jumoke Oduwole, on Monday, pledged her commitment to reposition the sector for the benefit of the country and all Nigerians.
Oduwole shortly after taking the oath of office administered by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja emphasized the need to reverse Nigeria’s trade policies to “create competitive jobs for the nation’s youth”.
She highlighted her focus on attracting and retaining foreign direct investment (FDI) for sustainable growth, as top of her administration priority.
She said, “The time has come for Nigeria to reverse her trade policies to create competitive jobs for our teeming youths.
“Expectations are high for change, and as a human collaborator, I will ensure that such expectations are met in this sector.
“What gets measured is what gets done. We will systematically ensure periodic performance appraisals to ensure that targets are met”.
Emphasizing the importance of exports, Oduwole noted that high-quality products from Nigeria would be regularly exported in line with global best practices, thereby achieving a balance of trade.
She assured that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) would be utilized optimally to Nigeria’s benefit.
Before the welcome reception, the Minister took a familiarization tour of the ministry to gain first-hand information about her new environment, a gesture that endeared her to the staff.
The Permanent Secretary FMITI Nura Rimi, expressed his optimism towards the Oduwole’s administration while pledging his support to the ministry’s growth and development.
“We are confident that Oduwole’s strategic vision and dynamic approach will bring about significant positive changes in our sector. Her track record speaks volumes, and we look forward to achieving great milestones under her guidance.
“With the collective effort of our dedicated staff and the leadership of Minister Oduwole, we are poised to overcome challenges and drive industrial growth that will benefit all Nigerians,” Rimi said in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, FMITI, Adebayo Thomas.
The minister had served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)