Nigeria, Stakeholders Set to Chart Path for Industrial Growth at West Africa Summit

Nigeria is taking fresh steps to scale its industries and deepen regional trade as the Federal Government and key stakeholders prepare to deliberate on the new National Industrial Policy at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition (IMT) 2025, scheduled for October in Lagos.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, said the government is determined to anchor the policy on the Nigeria First agenda, building on past executive orders that prioritized local content and procurement.

He noted that a nationwide campaign to promote patronage of Nigerian goods and services will soon follow, adding that the country could earn as much as ₦3 trillion in the short term if attitudes shift toward buying locally.

“This event is more than a gathering,” Enoh said. “It is a platform to accelerate Africa’s march towards true industrialisation. For too long, our progress has been tied to raw material exports. The time has come to unlock our industries, scale our MSMEs, and harness our manufacturing potential.”

Organisers of the summit, dmg Nigeria Events, said the 2025 edition themed ‘Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity’ will bring together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders across energy, finance, logistics, technology, and security to design practical solutions for the region’s economic transformation.

Wemimo Oyelana, Country Director Nigeria & Portfolio Director Energy, dmg Nigeria Events, said the summit will serve as a bridge between ideas and action.

“We are at a defining moment as a region. The decisions we make now around industrialisation, manufacturing, and technology will shape our growth story for generations to come.”

With Nigeria’s economy seeking stability through reforms and diversification, the summit is expected to provide both policy direction and business opportunities to advance the country’s industrial ambitions and the region’s shared prosperity.