The minister of trade and investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the ministry will fully digitise its operations by the end of 2025 to enhance efficiency.
Oduwole said this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.
The ceremony took place on the sideline of the top management retreat of the ministry and its agencies.
The minister emphasised the urgency for the digital transition
According to her, the ministry is just about to start that journey, and the deadline is the end 2025.
“I believe that this ministry is poised to serve Nigeria in a very special way.
“This effort underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations within the ministry,” she said.
The minister commended all heads of agencies and parastatals under the ministry for their contributions towards driving and ensuring a digitised and effective ministry.
The co-founder, AIG Imoukhuede foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed the commitment of the foundation to ensuring 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,” she said.
According to her, the foundation has previously played a pivotal role in digitalising the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, turning it into a fully automated institution.
Aig-Imoukhuede 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.
“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,” she said.
She said that capacity building remained a crucial component of the initiative, with efforts geared toward equipping civil servants with the necessary skills to leverage emerging technologies.
“Additionally, performance management systems will be developed to track progress and ensure that the reform efforts yield tangible results.
“We want to help to develop a robust performance management system because that will help to drive the reform efforts,” she said.
Highlight of the event was the signing of a performance bond between the ministry, heads of agencies under its supervision and AIG Imoukhuede foundation.
The event was part of activities to mark Oduwole’s 100 days in office.
