Nigeria has fine – tuned its trade and investment policies to further boost both local and foreign direct investments (fdi).

Dr. Evelyn Ngige, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) discloses this during the
stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop in Abuja.

She said that the new policies which will be sustained for the next five years ( 2023 – 2027), have been approved for implementation by the Federal Government.

” The maiden Nigeria Investment Policy (NINP) and Trade Policy (NTP) documents marked the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s investment climate of our country,” she said.

Represented by the Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Strategies in the ministry, Mr. Babagana Alkal,  the Permanent Secretary explained that the NInP focuses on three pillars,  namely:  investment promotion, investment facilitation, and sustainable development, with the objectives to develop the investment policy framework, especially fast-tracking the process of Nigeria’s economic diversification, improving investment

The policy also seeks to improve investors’ experience and confidence through ensuring compliance with global best practices, while generating inclusive domestic growth for employment generation and wealth creation.

On her part, the Director, Investment Promotion Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Gertrude Orji, said the approval came at a time when the country is making concerted efforts to achieve economic recovery and growth.

“You are all aware that before now, Nigeria did not have a single comprehensive document on Investment policy, all that was in place were Investment related laws and regulations of MDAs and agencies.

“In 2018, the immediate past Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, having realized the need for the country to have a holistic and link-based Investment policy document, approved that the Department of Investment Promotion should develop a detailed and sustainable investment policy that will provide a comprehensive roadmap for boosting domestic, regional and international investment in Nigeria,” she said.

She also explained that the process of reviewing the 2002 Trade Policy of Nigeria began in 2011, having realized the need to align with the current trend of the global and domestic economy.

She said the workshop therefore seeks to sensitize stakeholders and the general public on these two policies and their implications for the trade and investment environment in Nigeria.

Also, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, the CEO , Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), told the  stakeholders that an effective investment policy plays a crucial role in promoting export growth by creating a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI).

He said these elements were critical catalysts that propels economic development which the new policy seeks to achieve.

He added, “We at the NEPC will support any policy or instrument that will positively change the trade trajectory of the nation and bring about foreign exchange earnings, job creation and economic diversification.”