By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards driving industrialization and economic growth by inaugurating a seven-member planning committee for the forthcoming National Industrial Manpower Summit.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasized that the initiative is aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s industrial transformation through human capital development. “This summit is not just an event — it is a declaration of intent. It signals our collective resolve to ensure that Nigeria’s industrial rise is not only powered by infrastructure and policy — but also by people: skilled, equipped, and globally competitive,” he stated.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment remains resolute in its mandate to position Nigeria as a leading hub of industrial excellence on the continent. The ministry’s reform efforts are focused on removing structural bottlenecks, attracting investment, and expanding value-added production.
However, Senator Enoh noted that policies and capital alone are insufficient without a workforce prepared to power the engines of innovation, manufacturing, and enterprise. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda has placed industrial development at the heart of economic policy.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, identified capacity building as key to national industrialization and economic development. “As we strive to diversify our economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues, the industrial sector emerges as a critical pillar for sustainable growth,” he stated.
Hon. Ayinde outlined the objectives of the National Industrial Manpower Summit, which include:
- Assessing the current landscape and identifying skill gaps
- Engaging stakeholders to align efforts in manpower development
- Formulating strategic policies to address current challenges and anticipate future workforce needs
- Promoting innovation and technology integration
- Establishing monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability
The Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, emphasized that the time has come for Nigeria to put an end to the importation of manpower. “We in ITF have been given the mandate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retrain Nigerian artisans towards meeting international standards,” he stated.
The seven-member Planning Committee, comprising representatives from diverse institutions, has been tasked with orchestrating a summit that is both impactful and transformative. The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barrister Abdulghani Arobo, promised to discharge his duties to the best of his ability, assuring that the vision of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development would be adequately realized.
