By Dele Ogbodo
The strategic collaboration between the Military and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) intended for Nigeria’s economic growth and national security have triggered excitement from members of the strategic management and policy studies Course 7/24 from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC).
The delegation, led by Brigadier General Abimbola Yussuph, Director of Human Resource Development at NARC, was received by Mr. Dafang I. Sule, Director of the Federal Produce Inspection Service, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi.
The visit, a vital part of the participants’ study tour, was aimed at gaining insights into the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in job creation and national productivity through backward integration. Amb. Rimi, through his representative, commended the initiative, underscoring its significance in fostering inter-agency synergy and policy development.
Rimi, reiterated the ministry’s openness to strategic recommendations that could further refine its approaches to industrialization and investment promotion. “We welcome your insights and look forward to a continuous partnership aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic frontiers,” he affirmed.
Addressing the delegation, The Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Dr. Adebayo Thomas, in a statement said, the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s economic landscape by supporting SMEs, industrial growth, and foreign direct investment.
“Your visit highlights the importance of collaboration between key institutions in driving national development. Strategic initiatives such as this not only enhance institutional knowledge but also foster partnerships that can shape policy implementation,” he stated.
He further reiterated that the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), launched in 2014, remains a cornerstone of the country’s industrialization agenda. The plan focuses on backward integration strategies that leverage Nigeria’s raw materials to boost manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and create sustainable employment.
Yussuph, acknowledged the ministry’s pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurship and investment opportunities. “Our course brings together top military officers and senior officials from various security agencies and government institutions. This visit is an invaluable opportunity for us to understand and integrate economic strategies into national security frameworks,” he noted.
The delegation comprised high-ranking officials, including Major Generals, Air Commodores and representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other agencies—highlighting the broad-based interest in economic policy as a tool for national development.
In line with the visit’s theme: The Role of SMEs in Job Creation and Increased Productivity Through Backward Integration—the ministry provided a comprehensive overview of its efforts in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The session, led by Chief Industrial Officer, Esther Abimbola, shed light on sector-specific policies designed to enhance productivity and economic diversification.
The visit reinforced the crucial intersection between economic policy and national security. With SMEs serving as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, fostering policies that enhance their growth remains imperative.
The interactive session concluded with an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship development, investment opportunities, and the role of strategic management in national growth. As Nigeria navigates an evolving economic landscape, initiatives like this serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of cross-sector collaboration.
