The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its full support for the upcoming West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to hold in Lagos from October 21 to 23, 2025. This support reflects the country’s growing commitment to deepening industrial growth, expanding manufacturing capacity, and improving trade ties across the West African sub-region.
The announcement was made through a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, confirmed the government’s endorsement and reiterated that the summit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy, which promotes the use of locally produced goods in public procurement.
“This commitment aligns with the mandate of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighting the nation’s dedication to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding trade opportunities across the continent,” Senator Enoh said.
The Nigeria First policy has been at the centre of President Tinubu’s economic plans, and the ministry sees the upcoming IMT summit as an opportunity to drive the country’s industrial goals forward while boosting regional economic cooperation. Senator Enoh added that the ministry not only endorses the event but is also committed to collaborating with the organisers, dmg Nigeria events, to ensure the successful execution of the programme.
He 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. The Ministry commends dmg Nigeria events’ efforts in promoting industrial, manufacturing and trade development across the West African Region. It looks forward to a successful partnership in delivering a high-impact Summit.”
The summit, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity”, will attract key regional players including government representatives, industrialists, development institutions, investors, and trade facilitators from across West Africa and beyond.
The three-day summit will include high-level policy briefings, investment showcases, and discussions focused on infrastructure, regulatory harmonisation, and building industrial capacity in the region. It will also highlight successful models from other West African countries like Ghana and Senegal, which are also pushing for stronger domestic production through policy reforms.
Ghana has introduced new policies mandating the use of locally made goods in government procurement, while Senegal is pursuing production-led growth in industries such as textiles and food processing. These strategies are supported by subsidies and improved power supply, offering useful lessons for Nigeria as it intensifies its own industrialisation efforts.
Wemimo Oyelana, the Country Director for Nigeria and Portfolio Director for Energy at dmg Nigeria events, welcomed the government’s endorsement. She described it as a major step towards achieving a sustainable and inclusive industrial economy for the region.
“As we witness Africa’s rise in global manufacturing and trade, the endorsement from the Ministry marks the beginning of the transformation required for real economic development and growth. It reinforces our shared commitment to accelerating industrial development, strengthening local manufacturing, increasing regional and international trade, and driving investment into the region,” Oyelana stated.
She further added that the West Africa IMT 2025 Summit would serve as a critical platform for turning regional industrial policy into action by bringing together both public and private sector leaders. The event is expected to generate new investment deals and policy frameworks that will shape the future of West African manufacturing and trade.
The summit is also seen as a response to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which offers a unified market across the continent. Nigeria’s involvement and leadership in regional events like this are part of broader efforts to position the country as a manufacturing hub in Africa.
Stakeholders across the manufacturing and trade sectors have expressed optimism that the summit could be a turning point for industries battling challenges such as infrastructure gaps, weak supply chains, and low access to finance.
With the support of the Nigerian government, organisers are confident that the event will provide the needed momentum to transform the industrial landscape of West Africa, boost regional integration, and provide new growth opportunities for businesses and investors.
