Oduwole: Ministry of industry to fully digitise its operations by December

Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment, says the ministry’s operations will be fully digitised by December.

Oduwole spoke on Tuesday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation in Abuja.

The MoU signing took place on the sidelines of the Top Management Retreat, which included the ministry and its agencies.

Oduwole stressed the urgency of the digital transition, saying that the ministry is just beginning the journey, with a deadline set for the end of 2025.

“I believe that this ministry is poised to serve Nigeria in a very special way,” the minister said.

“This effort underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations within the ministry.”

She commended the heads of agencies and parastatals under the ministry for their efforts in driving the initiative and ensuring a fully digitised system.

On her part, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, co-founder of AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the success of the initiative.

“We firmly believe that the future of Nigeria’s socio-economic development depends strongly on you, the public sector. You are the engine room of growth and development,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.

Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the foundation had previously played a key role in transforming the office of the head of the civil service of the federation into a fully automated institution.

The co-founder said the partnership would focus on three key pillars: digitalisation, capacity building, and performance management.

“The first pillar will move the ministry from manual to automated processes, bringing it in line with 21st-century standards,” she said.

“We picked your ministry, because we firmly believe in the work that you are doing.

“Our support will ensure that key trade and industrial policies are executed with greater efficiency.

“Additionally, performance management systems will be developed to track progress and ensure that the reform efforts yield tangible results.”

The foundation added that AIG Imoukhuede aims to establish a strong performance management system, as it will be essential in driving the reform efforts.