In a bold move to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation and economic growth, the Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for 2025, with a major focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) announced plans to conduct a nationwide MSMEs census, which will serve as a foundation for a data-driven roadmap aimed at empowering businesses and fostering sustainable industrialisation.
The ministry’s 2025 agenda, outlined in a document titled “Accelerating Diversification to Rebuild Prosperity by Leveraging Industry, Trade & Investment,” highlights key policy thrusts designed to reposition Nigeria as an industrial powerhouse. The document, signed by Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Minister of State Senator John Enoh, underscores the government’s commitment to investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, and economic diversification.
The nationwide MSMEs census is one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives for 2025. According to the document, the census will provide empirical data to guide targeted interventions, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness in the sector. Additionally, a high-level task force will be established to implement industrial reforms and reengineer the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), creating a modernised blueprint for sustainable industrialisation.
Dr. Oduwole described 2025 as a critical year for Nigeria’s economic diversification, stating that FMITI’s strategic focus will deliver measurable results through progressive policies and reforms.
> “We prioritise creating a dynamic, resilient, and sustainable economy by positioning the private sector for enhanced productivity and global competitiveness. By leveraging domestic, regional, and international markets, we will ensure Nigerian businesses thrive in a fast-evolving economic landscape,” Oduwole stated.
Key Pillars of the 2025 Industrial Agenda
The FMITI’s agenda for 2025 is structured around three broad areas:
1. Economic Diversification: Expansion through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
2. Trade Revenue Growth: Strengthening exports and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
3. Investment Mobilisation: Enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate and fostering long-term business retention.
Additionally, the document outlines several high-impact industrial initiatives, including:
Unlocking the full potential of the automotive sector by accelerating local manufacturing and developing world-class supply chains.
Expanding value addition in agriculture to position Nigeria as a global leader in agro-industrial production.
Revitalising the Cotton, Textile, and Garments (CTG) ecosystem to enhance domestic production, drive exports, and create millions of jobs.
Strengthening Nigeria’s industrial self-sufficiency through strategic investments in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and petrochemicals.
Conducting the nationwide MSMEs census to provide a precise, data-driven roadmap for empowering businesses.
Setting up a high-level task force to drive reforms and reengineer the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).
A Commitment to Stakeholder Engagement
Minister of State, Senator John Enoh, reinforced the government’s commitment to revitalising existing industries while ensuring their long-term competitiveness.
> “Our focus is not only on establishing new industries but also on strengthening existing ones to ensure they remain resilient and globally competitive,” Enoh stated.
To achieve these ambitious targets, FMITI plans to engage extensively with key stakeholders across various sectors, fostering collaborations that will accelerate industrial growth and economic sustainability.
With the unveiling of this bold industrialisation strategy, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for Nigeria’s economic transformation. The government’s proactive measures—ranging from the MSMEs census to large-scale industrial reforms—signal a renewed commitment to fostering innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity. As Nigeria positions itself for a more competitive global economy, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective policy implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment in key sectors.
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