In a significant step toward Nigeria’s industrial revival, the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to unlock the transformative potential of the mining and automotive sectors. This strategic push is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to shift the nation from an import-reliant economy to a production and export-driven industrial powerhouse.
The move gained momentum during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh. Discussions focused on actionable strategies to accelerate growth in mining, automotive and other key sectors vital to the country’s economic restructuring.
Senator Enoh emphasized the government’s priority on three core sectors: sugar, cotton-textile-garment, and automobiles. According to him, these industries are already being bolstered by dedicated industry councils established to promote localized production, boost domestic consumption, and elevate Nigeria’s competitive edge on the global stage.
At the heart of Nigeria’s industrial policy is the Nigeria First Policy—a landmark presidential directive mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise Nigerian-made goods and services in public procurement. Since its implementation, this policy has triggered a systemic shift in public sector procurement, realigned supply chains, spurred job creation, and curbed import dependency.
“The Nigeria First Policy is not merely a declaration. It’s a structural transformation tool that is beginning to change the fabric of our industrial base,” Enoh remarked.
Mr. Joseph Tegbe echoed this sentiment, reiterating the strategic importance of partnerships like the Nigeria-China alliance. “Nigeria has the potential to mirror the export successes of countries like Brazil, which exported over $94 billion worth of goods to China in 2024. With deliberate investment in high-impact sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, we can unlock similar growth trajectories,” he said.
Nigeria’s mining sector remains an underutilised goldmine—literally and figuratively. With over 40 commercially viable minerals ranging from gold, lithium, and bauxite to iron ore and limestone, the sector is poised for explosive growth. However, government and stakeholders are aligned in the belief that exporting raw minerals is no longer sustainable.
Tegbe stressed the need for local beneficiation, processing, and value addition. “Nigeria must move from being a raw material supplier to an industrial manufacturer. Our minerals should feed our industries, not foreign markets,” he added.
Already, the Industrial Revolution Working Groups—a flagship arm of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalisation—are working to resolve regulatory bottlenecks, enhance infrastructure access, provide industry-focused financing, and unlock sustainable growth across the mining value chain.
The automotive industry is another critical pillar in Nigeria’s industrial revival. Government initiatives are currently underway to transform Nigeria into a regional hub for automobile assembly and advanced vehicle manufacturing.
With supportive policies and incentives, the sector has seen a rise in domestic vehicle production, encouraging both local and foreign investors. The ultimate goal is to shift from basic assembly to a full-fledged automotive manufacturing ecosystem—including electric vehicles and energy-efficient mobility solutions.
“The national automotive policy is structured to deepen local content, promote backward integration, and ensure that vehicle production drives employment and skills development,” Senator Enoh stated.
Tegbe reaffirmed the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s industrial agenda. “Our collaboration will focus on technology transfer, infrastructure development, and access to funding—especially for small and medium enterprises within the mining and auto sectors,” he explained.
As Nigeria works toward industrial self-reliance, experts say consistent policy implementation, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure investment will be key to achieving long-term results.
With a clear roadmap, international support, and strong government backing, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a resilient, diversified, and export-oriented industrial economy. By leveraging its natural resources and human capital, the country has a unique opportunity to write a new chapter in its economic history—one defined by innovation, production, and prosperity.