Economy: FG begs private sector for ideas

In its efforts to turn Nigeria into an industrial giant, the Federal Government has called on the Organised Private Sector to proffer new ideas that would lead to sustainable economic development away from oil.

Speaking in Kaduna on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechuku Enelemah noted, that the task of transforming Nigeria into an industrial giant cannot be achieved without the needed collaboration with the private sector.

He said, “In this regard, the ministry of industry, trade and investment will welcome ideas, suggestions, proposals and initiatives from all stakeholders on how to chart the path for an inclusive and sustainable economic development”.

He stressed that such contribution would go a long way in assisting the administration to review and update existing development policies and strategies to enhance the industrialization of the country.

The minister who was represented at the event by the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, noted, that the theme of the fair, “Promoting Solid Minerals Sector for Sustainable Economic Development” was in tune with President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire for change.

According to NAN reports, he said “The theme has reinforced the necessity for a paradigm shift from oil to promoting non-oil export products to diversify the revenue base of the economy. This remains the major priority of this administration, “he said.

He stressed that diversification of the country’s economy was necessary in increasing investment inflow into key areas and job creation.

Read also: Buhari’s economic team intact, presidency says

“The areas include mining, agriculture and manufacturing among others for enhanced and rapid industrialization,” he said.

The minister was represented at the event by the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar.

Also speaking, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Bassey Edem, noted that Nigeria has vast alternatives to oil in its untapped solid mineral deposits.

He noted, that the availability of these minerals provides opportunities in exports and local industries to use as raw materials.

Edem, represented by NACCIMA National Vice President, Alhaji Ahmad Ahmad, expressed confidence that the fair would boost business interactions that would exploit the innumerable potentials in the solid mineral sector.

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