The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has concluded a highly impactful two-day Top Management Retreat. The retreat brought together key figures from across the industry to define a strategic roadmap for the years ahead. Held at the Bank of Industry Conference Hall, the retreat saw robust discussions and collaborations between Honourable Ministers, the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the Ministry, and CEOs of its agencies.
The Honourable Ministers, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Hon. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, led the charge, emphasizing the importance of aligning the Ministry’s strategic plan with the government’s broader vision for economic growth. The Director-General/Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, played a crucial role in the proceedings, contributing his expertise to discussions centered on standardization, quality assurance, and consumer protection.
Dr. Okeke reinforced SON’s commitment to national development by signing performance bonds for the year 2025. He pledged SON’s dedication to achieving key objectives across both trade and industry sectors.
The performance bonds were signed with the two Ministers of Industry, Trade, and Investment, demonstrating a collaborative approach to national development. Hon. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole received the performance bond for SON’s trade-related programs and activities. These programs, aligned with the Ministry’s trade agenda, focus on facilitating seamless trade, reducing technical barriers, and ensuring fair competition through standardization and quality assurance. This includes initiatives aimed at streamlining import and export processes, promoting the acceptance of Nigerian products in international markets, and combating the influx of substandard goods.
The second performance bond, encompassing SON’s industry-related programs, was signed with the Honourable Minister of State (Industry), Hon. John Owan Enoh. These programs are crucial
for fostering industrial growth and competitiveness within Nigeria. They include initiatives focused on supporting local manufacturers, promoting standardization and quality in production processes, and driving innovation through the development of relevant industry standards. This also involves working with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their capacity to meet quality requirements and access markets.
The signing of these performance bonds underscores SON’s proactive approach to national development. It provides a framework for accountability and transparency, ensuring that SON’s activities are aligned with national priorities. Dr. Okeke’s action demonstrates a clear commitment to measurable outcomes and reinforces SON’s crucial role in facilitating both trade and industrial growth.
The performance bonds serve as a crucial mechanism for monitoring and evaluating SON’s performance throughout the year. They outline specific targets and deliverables, providing a benchmark against which progress can be measured. This promotes efficiency and effectiveness within the organization, driving it to achieve its mandate and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
A primary focus of the retreat was the review and development of the FMITI’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. Participants meticulously analyzed existing frameworks, identified emerging challenges and opportunities, and collectively crafted a comprehensive plan to drive sustainable industrial development, boost trade, and attract investment.
The retreat also prioritized the harmonization of the 2025 Work Plans for the Ministry and its agencies. Through collaborative sessions, participants established clear goals, defined strategic roadmaps, set realistic timelines, and identified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure effective implementation and progress tracking. This collaborative approach fostered a shared understanding of priorities and facilitated the alignment of efforts across the entire ministry.
The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. The insights and strategies generated during the two-day event will serve as a foundation for FMITI’s work in the coming years, paving the way for sustainable growth, job creation, and enhanced global competitiveness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
