Enugu Hosts 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment as Top Policymakers, Investors Converge

Enugu State has once again taken the national spotlight as it hosts the 17th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI), a landmark economic gathering bringing together key policymakers, business leaders, investors, and industry experts from across Nigeria.

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The five-day conference, which begins on Monday in Enugu, is themed “Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade, and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration.” The event is expected to attract nearly 1,000 participants committed to charting practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity, expanding trade opportunities, and accelerating investment-driven economic growth.

Leading the high-profile event are the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State for the Ministry, Senator John Owan Enoh. The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, will deliver the keynote address during the executive session, highlighting his administration’s vision for industrialisation, economic transformation, and private sector-led development.

The conference has also drawn Commissioners responsible for Trade, Commerce, Industry, and Investment from all 36 states of the federation, alongside foreign trade and investment delegates, captains of industry, development partners, and heads of critical federal and state government agencies.

Throughout the week, participants will deliberate on strategic issues shaping Nigeria’s economic future through discussions centred on key sub-themes, including Industrial Competitiveness and Productivity Enhancement, Trade Facilitation and Market Access Strategies, Digital Transformation and Innovation in Industry and Trade, Regional and Global Market Integration Opportunities, as well as Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Industrial Growth.

Hosting the prestigious council further reinforces Enugu’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for major national and international conferences. Under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, the state has witnessed significant investments in security, transportation, tourism, and business-friendly infrastructure aimed at positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for investment and commerce.

A major highlight of these efforts is the launch of Enugu Air, which now provides multiple daily flights connecting Enugu to major cities across Nigeria, improving accessibility for investors, business travellers, and conference participants.

As deliberations commence, expectations remain high that the resolutions reached during the council meeting will provide fresh policy directions capable of enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness, boosting industrial productivity, attracting greater investments, and strengthening the country’s integration into regional and global markets.

The conference is expected to conclude on Friday with recommendations that will shape future policies on industry, trade, and investment across the federation.