
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has unveiled plans to leverage technology to drive international trade and investment, as Ministry of Trade and Communications chart a collaborative path for economic growth.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, discussed integrating digital innovation into trade policies to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness globally.
The ministers highlighted key initiatives to boost trade, including implementing the National E-Commerce Policy and Strategy, NEPS 2023–2027, developing the National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, and strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to attracting billion-dollar investments and promoting Nigeria as a hub for technology exports.
Speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole emphasized the critical role of digital innovation in modern trade and investment, highlighting the partnership’s potential to advance Nigeria’s international trade competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment.
Oduwole stressed the importance of the private sector in achieving these goals. “We are scaling up digital infrastructure in both public and private sectors to foster innovation and support startups,” she said.
“International trade and investment is a big agenda for us. We are scaling up where we can be globally competitive. Advancing digital trade, especially within Africa, is essential for our economic progress. Trading in Africa is a must for us.”
For his part, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in driving economic prosperity. “Modern technology is a key enabler for any economy. A 10% increase in technology investment can lead to a 25% rise in GDP,” he said.
The Communications Minister revealed that three million Nigerian youths have been trained in digital skills under government initiatives. “Our goal is not only to train them but to ensure they are gainfully employed,” he added.
Highlighting Nigeria’s potential to export talent, Dr. Tijani said, “There is a global shortage of digital talent, and this is where Nigeria has a comparative advantage with its youthful population. We believe Nigeria can be a net exporter of talent.
“Great nations are not only great because they produce technology but because they export it. This is where trade and investment align with our ministry’s goals.”
He urged the private sector to explore opportunities through Nigeria’s trade mission in the United States and other government platforms.