Private Sector Collaboration Critical For Job Creation — Trade Minister

In a proactive move to foster industrial growth and job creation, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, continued her factory tour in Ogun State, following its commencement in Lagos.

The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the private sector as a key driver for job creation and economic development.

The tour began with a strategic meeting with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun.

Uzoka-Anite emphasized the federal government’s support for the state, highlighting the importance of gathering feedback to enhance nationwide industrialization.

She also visited leading industrial entities including the TGI Group, African Foundries Limited, and Land Craft Industries Limited, underscoring the significance of the steel industry as a cornerstone for economic growth.

Governor Abiodun expressed his vision of leveraging the state’s proximity to Lagos to foster a conducive environment for public-private partnerships.

The state’s approach, encapsulated in the ISEYA acronym – Infrastructure, Social welfare, Education, Youth empowerment, Agriculture – aligns with the federal government’s objectives.

A pivotal moment in the tour was Uzoka-Anite’s visit to Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, where she commissioned the new factory extension for West African Cubes (WACUB) Limited.

She said, “This project will significantly increase GDP and create jobs, aligning with the President’s 8-point agenda.”

At African Foundries Limited and Land Craft Industries Limited, the Minister recognized the steel sector’s critical role in industrialization.

She encouraged collaboration among local entrepreneurs to address infrastructure and security challenges, promising federal support to mitigate other impediments.

The tour’s third day featured a visit to Beloxxi Industries, where the Minister was impressed by the youth development program.

“We need to encourage manufacturers to do the same as it goes a long way to stem the many vices we see young people getting involved in,” she said.

She also highlighted the potential of procurement to stimulate demand and job creation in line with the President’s plan for industrialization.

Uzoka-Anite’s itinerary also included stops at major food industry players such as Unilever Plc in Agbara, GreenTech Industries Limited, and GB Africa GB Foods Manufacturing Nigeria Limited. She listened attentively to their challenges and reassured them of the President’s dedication to economic improvement in line with the 8-point agenda.

Concluding her tour, the Minister expressed gratitude to the companies she visited, acknowledging their challenges and reaffirming her commitment to sector-wide growth.

“We are very excited to see the commitment to His Excellency’s vision, and it is totally in line with what we are doing in trying to create more jobs, deepen industrialization, and grow the economy,” she stated, reflecting optimism for achieving a $1trn economy.