Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has revealed that her ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is working to bring a healthcare manufacturer into the country’s free trade zone.
She made this announcement in an interview with ARISE NEWS at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
She said “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet,” Dr Oduwole stated. “The Honourable Minister of Health and I have a meeting today with a healthcare manufacturer that’s coming to set up in one of our Free Trade Zones.
“The aim is to manufacture public healthcare goods in Nigeria that will be exported out of Nigeria to other countries.”
Dr Oduwole highlighted the Nigerian delegation’s strategic focus in Davos, which is to promote investment in Nigeria’s services sector, aiming to position the country as a hub for outsourced services, similar to the Philippines and India.
When questioned about Nigeria’s absence of a dedicated “House” in Davos, just like some other countries represented, she explained, “We could have one, but honestly, we are not here for a jamboree. Not to say that other countries that have houses here are on a jamboree, but Nigeria is here in Davos to sell Services. This is where Nigeria is competitive, and this is where jobs will be created for Nigerians.”
The Minister’s statements underscore Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign investments, stimulate job creation, and enhance the country’s export capacity, particularly in healthcare and services.
Chioma Kalu
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