By Kobayashi Daniels/ Agency
The Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment will transition to a fully digital system by the end of 2025 to enhance operational efficiency, according to Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja, Oduwole emphasized the urgency of the digital transformation.
“This ministry is just about to embark on this journey, and our deadline is the end of 2025,” she stated. “I believe 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.”
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Top Management Retreat for the ministry and its agencies. Oduwole commended agency heads and parastatal leaders for their contributions toward ensuring the ministry’s digital transformation.
Co-Founder of the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of the public sector in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“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.
Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the foundation’s previous role in digitalizing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, transforming it into a fully automated institution. She noted that the partnership with the Trade and Investment Ministry would focus on three key pillars: digitalization, capacity building, and performance management.
“The first pillar will transition the ministry from manual to automated processes, aligning it with 21st-century standards. We chose 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 stated.
She further explained that capacity building would be a crucial component of the initiative, aimed at equipping civil servants with the necessary skills to leverage emerging technologies.
Additionally, she said performance management systems would be developed to track progress and ensure that reform efforts lead to tangible results.
“We want to help develop a robust performance management system because that will help drive the reform efforts,” she added.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a performance bond between the ministry, its agencies, and the AIG Imoukhuede Foundation.
