The Federal Government has reinforced its drive for industrial transformation, export competitiveness and quality assurance with the inauguration of key governing boards under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside a strategic engagement with the organised private sector in Abuja.

The engagements began with the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, highlighted the critical role of institutional leadership, sound governance and policy coherence in delivering national economic priorities.

Inaugurating the Board, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described oil and gas free zones as vital tools for industrialisation, investment attraction and value-chain development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She charged the Board to provide clear strategic direction, effective regulatory oversight and accountability in line with its statutory mandate.

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the inauguration represented a key governance milestone in Nigeria’s export-led growth drive, stressing the importance of measurable outcomes in production, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, the Chairman of OGFZA, Mrs. Lydia Kalat Musa, thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged responsible leadership and constructive engagement with stakeholders.

The second inauguration was that of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), with Ambassador Rimi reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutions that drive industrial growth and investor confidence.

Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed government’s resolve to reposition export processing zones as engines of non-oil exports and manufacturing growth, while Senator Enoh emphasised transparency, performance and accountability as essential to unlocking the zones’ full potential. The Chairman of the NEPZA Board, Senator Tijani Yahaya Laura, pledged collective commitment to advancing the Authority’s mandate in line with national priorities.

The final inauguration was that of the Governing Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Dr. Oduwole described standards and quality assurance as fundamental to consumer protection, industrial development and the global competitiveness of Nigerian products. Senator Enoh underscored the role of effective standardisation in boosting investor confidence and ensuring fair competition. The Chairman of the Council, Honourable Yahuzu Ado Inuwa, pledged to strengthen compliance mechanisms and stakeholder engagement.

Earlier, Dr. Oduwole received a delegation from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi. The meeting focused on strengthening public–private collaboration, addressing business challenges and advancing regulatory reforms. Engr. Kupoluyi also congratulated the Minister on Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos.

Overall, the engagements highlighted the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on institutional strengthening, effective governance and sustained partnership with the private sector as key pillars of Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda