The Federal Government has launched an ambitious strategy to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial transformation through the implementation of a 75-point action plan under the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG).
The initiative, which prioritizes execution over policy rhetoric, is designed to reposition the country’s real sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the 16th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment held in Lagos, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, said the IRWG represents a shift from aspirational policy pronouncements to tangible, large-scale industrial development.
“The Council reviewed 75 memoranda, including 30 actionable recommendations. This is not another policy session; this is a strategic intervention to deliver measurable impact,” Owan-Enoh stated. “Every action from now must translate into jobs, growth, and productivity.”
Five Core Pillars Anchor the Strategy
At the core of the IRWG framework are five foundational pillars intended to address structural constraints and catalyze value-added production:
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Financing and Investment Transformation
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Energy and Infrastructure Modernization
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Regulatory Reforms and Ease of Doing Business
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Product Standards and Market Expansion
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Human Capital Development and Industrial Innovation
“These are no longer theoretical constructs,” the Minister said. “They are active levers of execution already being rolled out across the country.”
Project Pipeline Targets Industrial Zones
Under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has initiated a pipeline of transformative industrial projects aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s dormant manufacturing base.
Key projects include:
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Agro-processing hubs in Kano, focused on converting cassava into ethanol and starch
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Textile manufacturing clusters in Aba and Lagos, to boost garment exports
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A pharmaceutical enclave in Ogun State, designed to secure Nigeria’s medicine supply chain
“These are not pilot schemes or concept papers,” Owan-Enoh emphasized. “They are full-scale industrial interventions aligned with national priorities.”
Collaboration with States and Private Sector
The Minister called for active participation from sub-national governments and private sector stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the industrial revolution strategy.
“The IRWG is a national platform for shared responsibility,” he said. “We urge all partners to embrace this opportunity to convert Nigeria’s potential into industrial capacity.”
He further reiterated that the government’s industrial push is aimed at igniting real sector productivity, dismantling legacy barriers, and establishing Nigeria as a continental leader in value-added manufacturing.
A Shift Toward Execution
Industry stakeholders who participated in the Council meeting noted that the Federal Government’s approach marks a decisive shift from conceptual planning to coordinated implementation.
Analysts view the IRWG as a critical policy instrument that could deliver lasting impact if supported by consistent governance, capital mobilisation, and private sector engagement.
“Nigeria’s industrial rebirth is no longer theoretical—it is being executed in steel, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and innovation,” Owan-Enoh concluded.
As the government moves to operationalize the 75-point strategy, expectations remain high for inclusive growth, job creation, and enhanced industrial output across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
