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| NCSP 2: DG NCSP presenting a gift to the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment |
In a strategic push to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial revolution, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, met with the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, to align on transformative priorities aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy through the mining and automotive sectors. The meeting, held in Abuja, explored actionable strategies to unlock the full industrial potential of both sectors within the framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the overarching goal of shifting Nigeria from an import-dependent economy to a production- and export-led industrial powerhouse.
While receiving the DG, Senator Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to three priority sectors—Sugar, Cotton-Textile-Garment (CTG), and Automobiles—each supported by active industry councils designed to drive localized production, stimulate domestic demand, and enhance Nigeria’s global industrial competitiveness. At the heart of this shift is the Nigeria First Policy, a landmark presidential directive mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in public procurement. This policy is already restructuring supply chains, catalyzing job creation, and reducing the nation’s reliance on imports across key sectors.
Mr. Tegbe emphasized the NCSP’s commitment to supporting this transformation, noting Nigeria’s readiness to transition from a consumption-driven economy to a strategic development partner—particularly with China. Citing Brazil’s $94.41 billion export performance to China in 2024, he expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to achieve similar milestones by focusing on high-impact sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and industrial manufacturing. He underscored the mining sector’s vast potential—with over 40 commercially viable minerals—as a critical enabler of industrial growth. Rather than continuing the export of raw mineral resources, he called for a deliberate focus on local beneficiation, processing, and refining—an agenda bolstered by clear regulatory reforms and investment incentives.
The Industrial Revolution Working Groups (IRWG)—a flagship initiative of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization—are already operational, working to address regulatory bottlenecks, improve access to infrastructure and financing, and unlock sustainable growth across the mining value chain.
Meanwhile, the automotive sector is receiving targeted government attention, with policies in place to establish Nigeria as a regional hub for vehicle assembly and full-scale manufacturing. The Nigeria First Policy is already driving demand for domestically assembled vehicles, while bolstering investor confidence. A structured national automotive policy is being actively implemented, with the aim of transitioning from basic assembly to advanced manufacturing that integrates local supply chains and lays the groundwork for electric and energy-efficient mobility.
Highlighting Nigeria’s deepening strategic partnership with China, Mr. Tegbe shared updates on landmark agreements secured with major Chinese firms including Huawei, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Chilwee Group, and Choice International Group (CIG). These companies are bringing in advanced technologies, skilled manpower, and capital across Nigeria’s automotive, mining, manufacturing, communications, and clean energy sectors—directly contributing to job creation, technology transfer, and industrial innovation.
“These partnerships are not only vital for job creation; they will also strengthen our technical capabilities, expand industrial output, and accelerate the localization of production,” said Mr. Tegbe. “We are changing the narrative—Nigeria must no longer be seen as a mere consumer market, but as an active industrial partner.”
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a 21st-century industrial economy—one where innovation fuels global competitiveness. As the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to drive economic transformation, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership remains a key institutional vehicle for delivering the cross-border investments, infrastructure, and technology that will shape the future of Nigeria’s industrial growth.