FG Updating Nigeria’s Trade Policy- Minister

…Rolls Out Programmes For Nigeria @60 Celebration

The Federal Government said it is updating Nigeria’s trade policy to reflect the current economic realities in the global environment.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investments has that it is working to create an updated trade policy that would reflect the current situation of the world.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investments, Niyi Adebayo who revealed this while addressing journalists at the press conference on the Nigerian @ 60 celebration held in Abuja, said that the policy should be submitted to the Federal Executive council by the end of the year.

He said, “We’ve got a trade policy. We are in a process of updating and completing our trade policy.

“We are hopeful that before the end of this year, we will be able to take the policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

“The document is undergoing review. We want to update it to be effective for the current situation of the world.”

“We are sure that by the time we conclude the document, it will be one that would be applauded by Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has rolled out series of programmes that would be used to celebrate the 60th anniversary celebration of Nigeria.

It also reiterated its determination towards ensuring national economic development through diversification and less dependence on oil.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo stated these in Abuja while briefing journalists ahead of Nigeria @ 60 Celebration.

He said that the conceptualization Of Nigeria @60celebration was made with the inclusion of the Private sector.

Side by side with the private sector, the minister listed some of the activities were drawn up for the celebration to include exhibition of made in Nigeria products; live performance of cultural troupes from the six geopolitical zone of the country; essay Competition; photo gallery; exhibition of Nigerian Cuisines; compendium and national award.

Adebayo who is also the Chairman, Ownership Sub-committee of Nigeria @ 60 said the present administration had made necessary efforts to encourage the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises towards boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

He said, “It is therefore not surprising that in celebrating 60 years of our nationhood, the fruits of the labour of our people to create products and services deserve to be celebrated and encouraged and the exhibition of made in Nigeria products will therefore further reveal the tremendous potential that abound in our quest for self sufficiency and self reliance.”

He explained that the celebration also seeks to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria to the whole world to enable the country become a destination of choice for tourism.

The Minister who noted that Nigeria has a lot to celebrate advised Nigerians to keep hope alive for a better and greater country.

He said the celebration of Nigeria @ 60 would be in collaboration with the private sector solicited the support of media organizations in promoting reports that would further unite Nigerians for a greater tomorrow.

In a remark, a representative of the private sector for the celebration, Mr Femi Oyelade said notable Nigerians have been nominated for various categories of awards for their contributions to national development.

According to Mr Femi Oyelade the essence is to encourage other Nigerians in the task of building a strong and better Nigeria worthy of emulation.