Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Jumoke Oduwole says Nigeria is actively transitioning from an oil and gas-dependent economy to a diversified, export-oriented one.

She made this remark at the Nigerian-Poland Economic Forum on Thursday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ms Oduwole, represented by Gertrude Orji, director of investment promotion at the ministry, noted that the forum served as a vital bridge between Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, and Poland’s innovative economy.

She stressed that the shift toward economic diversification was well underway.

“This is guided by robust policies such as the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan,” she said.

She highlighted Nigeria’s openness to business and ambitious collaboration with Poland in critical areas under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on trade expansion.

The minister noted that the government was simplifying regulations, strengthening investor protections, upgrading infrastructure, and creating tailored incentives for strategic sectors.

Ms Odumole affirmed Nigeria as “a land of opportunities, realised and expanding.”

The minister also highlighted areas for Nigeria-Poland collaboration, which include agricultural and agro-processing.

She emphasised modernising value chains through mechanisation, food processing, and storage solutions, leveraging Poland’s expertise.

“Collaboration in oil, gas, and renewable energy, and Poland supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation with technology and machinery.

“Also, expanding academic partnerships and vocational training for youth and encouraging private sector participation, joint investments, and bilateral trade,” she said.

The minister urged translating dialogue into action via structured trade missions, joint ventures, private partnerships, knowledge and technology transfer, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area. (ACFTA).

Ms Oduwole said Nigeria-Poland relations stood at the threshold of a new era of cooperation.

“Let us seize this historic moment to transform potentialities into prosperity and create a partnership remembered for generations.

“Invite global manufacturers, tech investors, and infrastructure funds. Come and invest in Nigeria. Build with us. Grow with us. Lead with us,” she said.

The minister noted that Nigeria’s exports to Poland included cocoa and agricultural products, while Poland’s exports to Nigeria included machinery, chemicals, and processed foods.

She said, “Complementary strengths include Nigeria’s resources, market, youthful population, and access to AfCFTA, and Poland’s industrial base, technology, and EU gateway position.

“In 2024, both countries signed an agreement on a strategic partnership aiming to strengthen our economic relationship.”

(NAN)