The Federal Government has set an ambitious target to fully digitize the operations of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment by December 2025, in a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining service delivery.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, made the announcement on Tuesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation in Abuja.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the ministry’s Top Management Retreat, where key officials and agency heads gathered to discuss strategic reforms.
Oduwole emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that while the transition to a fully digitized system is just beginning, the goal is to complete the process by the end of 2025.
“This ministry is poised to serve Nigeria in a very special way,” she said. “This effort underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations within the ministry.”
The minister commended the agencies under the ministry for their role in driving the digital agenda forward, stressing that the transformation will enable faster decision-making, improved service delivery, and better regulatory oversight.
The digitalization drive will be executed in partnership with the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, which has a track record of supporting public sector transformation.
Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, co-founder of the foundation, reiterated its commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative.
“We firmly believe that Nigeria’s socio-economic development is tied to the effectiveness of the public sector. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment plays a crucial role in driving growth, and we are committed to supporting its digitalization journey,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.
The foundation previously played a key role in automating the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and it aims to replicate that success in the trade and investment sector.
According to Aig-Imoukhuede, the partnership will focus on three key pillars:
Digitalization: The ministry will transition from manual to fully automated processes, aligning its operations with global best practices.
Capacity Building: Government personnel will receive training to adapt to the new digital systems and improve service delivery.
Performance Management: A structured monitoring system will be introduced to track progress and ensure tangible outcomes from the reforms.
READ ALSO: House Demands ₦500bn Recapitalisation for DisCos
“Our goal is to ensure that key trade and industrial policies are implemented with greater efficiency,” Aig-Imoukhuede added. “A strong performance management system will be critical in achieving this.”
The full digitization of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment is expected to enhance Nigeria’s business environment, reduce bureaucratic delays, and promote transparency in trade and investment policies.
By leveraging digital tools, the ministry aims to attract more foreign investment, support local businesses, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
With the MoU now in place, implementation efforts are set to accelerate in the coming months, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward a more efficient and digitally-driven economy.