Nigerians can overcome economic challenges with entrepreneurial zeal, says trade minister

Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of industry, trade, and investment, says Nigerians can overcome economic challenges due to their entrepreneurial energy and zeal.

She spoke during the recent launch of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)-International Trade Centre (ITC) technical assistance programme for Nigeria. 

According to the minister, in 2024, the ministry is focused on enhancing infrastructural capacity, including power and transport.

Uzoka-Anite said the ministry would also work on transparent regulation, policy consistency, rule of law, and efficient collaboration among government agencies.

“This we believe will facilitate an environment where business operations are not hindered by red tape, and can continue to thrive,” she said.

“In my drive to foster a conducive business environment I regularly engage with our entrepreneurs and try as much as I can to resolve any issues hampering our business environment. 

“Just last week, me and my counterpart at the Ministry of Interior met with members of the organized private sector to review concerns caused by the introduction of a new Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), this resulted in a pause in the implementation of the policy to allow for further stakeholder engagements.”

Uzoka-Anite said this demonstrates the administration of President Bola Tinubu is a listening one, “and you can rest assured that we are always working to tackle any obstacles hindering business within Nigeria”.

“While the whole world is grappling with economic challenges, with hardworking men and women facing tough times, I am absolutely confident and resolute that we in Nigeria will overcome our challenges because of the entrepreneurial energy and zeal of our people,” the minister said.

“Ladies and gentlemen you will see this energy everywhere in Nigeria from small businesses to large ones, from aspiring entrepreneurs in Aba to long established ones in Lagos; both in the formal and informal settings.”

Uzoka-Anite said this is why Tinubu decided to provide thriving entrepreneurs additional access to funding through the presidential palliative programme (loans and grants for enterprises), which is handled by the ministry of industry.