Confronted with the dwindling fortunes of the country, the Federal Government and United Nation’s Industrial Development Organisation,(UNIDO) are exploring practical steps on enhancing economic competitiveness, increasing industrial capacity and promoting trade and innovation aimed at early exiting of the country out of recession.
At a two- day Retreat organized by UNIDO for Senior Management staff of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), and 17 agencies under the Ministry held on May 12-13, 2017, in Makurdi, Benue State,both parties held further dicussions on proactively attracting investment into the country.
Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Industry,Trade and Investment expressed satisfaction with the level of assistance of UNIDO.
According to him, “We are delighted that UNIDO has continued to support us in our efforts to diversify our economy and achieve Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development through the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP)”,
He added,“There is an urgent need for the government to pull our economy out of recession and place it on the path of inclusive and sustainable industrial development .The Retreat provided us the opportunity to discuss how to successfully implement the ERGP, working together with all stakeholders and partners including UNIDO of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP)”
Adeyemi DipeoluIn, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, said that government would improve Public-Private Partnership through close collaboration with businesses and deepening of government’s investments in the agriculture, power, manufacturing, science and technology .
UNIDO representative to ECOWAS and Regional Director, Nigeria Regional Office Hub, Jean Bakole said, “ UNIDO is strongly committed to support the remarkable efforts of the government to increase the national productivity and achieve sustainable industrialization through value addition and sustainable diversification of the productive activities for economic growth and poverty reduction.”
“The Retreat was a unique opportunity for UNIDO , and in particular, our Regional Office to renew our engagement to support the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and related Ministries in the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan”, Bakole added.
