By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has reaffirmed its commitment to industrial transformation with the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
The landmark event, led by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, underscores the government’s dedication to boosting local production capacity, ensuring economic diversification, and equipping Nigeria’s workforce with the skills needed for global competitiveness.
At the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the sugar sector, describing it as a valuable commodity with an extensive value chain capable of driving economic growth.
He emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to optimising the industry’s performance through the full implementation of the backward integration programme, ensuring that Nigeria strengthens its domestic sugar production and reduces reliance on imports.
The newly inaugurated NSDC board, chaired by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has been tasked with revitalising governance, overseeing strategic policy implementation, and maximising the sector’s potential within the framework of the National Sugar Master Plan.
Enoh, expressed a strong commitment to collaboration, setting a three-month window for reporting measurable progress toward achieving industry goals.
In parallel, the inauguration of the ITF Governing Board, chaired by Hon. Hamma Alikumo, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to bridge workforce skill gaps and align talent development with industry demands.
The Minister also emphasised the critical role of ITF in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for a highly competitive global economy, advocating for technology-driven training programs, industry-academia partnerships, and strategic resource utilisation to accelerate progress.
Both board chairmen extended their gratitude to the Minister and pledged to align their efforts with national priorities, ensuring their leadership drives meaningful economic growth and industrial resilience.
This The Director Press and Public Relations, Dr. Adebayo Thomas, in a statement said the dual inauguration represents a bold step toward Nigeria’s industrial transformation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic diversification, sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
