Minister promises inclusive industrial revolution in Nigeria

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, has pledged to ensure an inclusive industrial revolution that involves women in shaping Nigeria’s industrial future.

Enoh made this commitment during an event tagged, ‘An Evening with the Honourable Minister of State for Industry: Inclusive Industrial Revolution Plan’, held in Lagos on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Enoh explained that the exclusive event provides a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry and explore strategic pathways for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable industrial revolution.

“For the Industrial Revolution of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to be successful and deliver on its goals, it must be an inclusive one that recognises the immense contributions of the leading women in the industry,” the minister said.

He stated that women’s leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape are invaluable.

Enoh charged them to take their rightful place in the industrial revolution drive, saying their participation will be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that empower women, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

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Enoh added: “Industries thrive on innovation, fresh thinking and diverse perspectives. The best companies, economies, anddynamic industrial nations recognise that you do not win by excluding half of your best minds.

“This is not about gender but about competence and industrial competitiveness. And if we are truly serious about building a resilient, future-ready industrial sector, then we must discard every mindset that suggests this is an issue of equity or representation.”

The minister promised to continue to seek ways to strengthen collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders and simultaneously address challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Also speaking at the event, the President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa, Ngozi Oyewole, urged the minister to support women’s pursuit of greater opportunities within the nation’s economy and decision-making processes.

She said: “Women are pivotal to Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution. Our insights, experiences, and creativity are essential for driving innovation and sustainable growth in our economy.

“By harnessing the talents and perspectives of women, we can accelerate industrialisation and enhance productivity across various sectors – from manufacturing to technology and beyond.”

On her part, Ijeoma Isiolu, the Treasurer of the Bank of Industry, who represented the Managing Director of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, commended Enoh for holding the event to engage women whom she described as an integral and pivotal group to the growth and future of Nigeria’s industrialisation.

The Star