By Henry Ojelu

LAGOS— The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has endorsed the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (IMT) Summit & Exhibition 2025, aimed at accelerating industrial growth and trade integration across the region.

The endorsement marks a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to regional industrial transformation and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy, which promotes the use of locally manufactured goods in all government procurement processes.

The three-day summit, organised by dmg Nigeria events, will be held from October 21 to 23, 2025, at the Landmark Centre, Lagos and is expected to bring together policymakers, industrial leaders, investors, technology providers, and trade facilitators to explore strategies for sustainable industrialisation and economic growth in West Africa.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, in a statement, said the Ministry “formally endorses and consents to collaborate with dmg Nigeria events in the successful organisation of the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025.”

He commended the organisers for their efforts in advancing industrial and trade development in the region and assured the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the event for maximum impact.

The endorsement is seen as a strong indication of Nigeria’s drive to enhance its manufacturing capacity and expand trade opportunities across the continent. It also mirrors similar industrial policies in Ghana and Senegal, where governments are prioritising local production, value creation, and stable infrastructure for industrial growth.

Speaking on the development, Wemimo Oyelana, Country Director – Nigeria and Portfolio Director – Energy for dmg Nigeria events, said the endorsement validates the strategic importance of the summit.

“As we witness Africa’s rising influence in global manufacturing and trade, the Ministry’s support signals the beginning of the transformation needed for real economic growth,” she said.

The summit, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity”, will highlight opportunities in regional manufacturing, trade integration, and investment across key sectors.