FG to forge new partnership on Nigerian industrialization -Enelamah

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Enelamah Okechukwu has stated that the Federal Government is working assiduously to forge a new partnership on Nigeria’s industrialization.
The Minister disclosed this at his opening address to mark the commemoration of this year’s African Industrialization Day (AID), in Abuja.
Okechukwu further revealed that Africa is in dire need of industrialization as most countries in the continent thrive on production and export of primary commodities.
The Minister stated that Africa and its Member States need to transit from slogans to actual industrialization by promoting manufacturing sector in the continent.
He also reiterated that this year’s theme “Promoting Regional Value Chains in Africa: A pathway for accelerating Africa’s structural transformation, industrialization and pharmaceutical production’’ is in line with Federal Government’s programmes and strategies on Industrial Development in Nigeria as encapsulated in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan(ERGP) and Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).
Enelamah stated that his ministry in collaboration with development partners will be giving out awards to deserving entrepreneurs and enterprises with a view to promoting quality and standard in manufacturing sector of the economy.
Earlier the Representative of United Nations Secretary General and Regional Director, Jean Bakole stated that this year’s Africa Industrialization Day focuses on promoting regional value chains and this underscores how industrial development in local pharmaceutical production contributes to healthy living.
Bakole disclosed that the development of a competitive and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Africa can help promote better health and sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that availability of high quality and affordable medicines can alleviate serious public health issues, while the local production, export and distribution across regions benefit the creation of jobs and income.
Bakole reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to promote Africa’s industrial development as a key driver for realizing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
In his good will message, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Zhon Pingjian said that China will continue to be a reliable partner of Africa in its pursuits of industrialization.
“We are working closely with Africa in implementing the outcomes of FOCAC Beijing Summit in a timely and comprehensive manner”, he said.
Pingjian also stated that China will step up support in the development of industries as well as special economic zones industrial parks in Africa.
It would be recalled that 20th November of every year is declared as Africa Industrialization Day (AID), by United Nations General Assembly in 1989.