By: Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja.
In a groundbreaking display of collaboration, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) recently welcomed participants of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 7/24 from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). This visit marked a significant step towards fostering economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Led by Brigadier General Abimbola Yussuph, Director of Human Resource Development at NARC, the delegation was received by Mr. Dafang I. Sule, Director of the Federal Produce Inspection Service, representing the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi. The visit was a crucial part of the participants’ study tour, aimed at gaining insights into the vital role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in job creation and national productivity through backward integration.
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre, established in 2015, is dedicated to promoting professionalism in the Nigerian Army. The centre’s collaboration with the FMITI underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to driving economic growth and development.
The FMITI, responsible for creating wealth and employment, reducing poverty, and stimulating and diversifying the economy, plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. The ministry’s efforts are crucial in promoting SMEs, which are essential for job creation and national productivity.
The visit highlighted the need for backward integration, a strategy that involves sourcing raw materials locally to promote economic growth and reduce dependence on foreign imports. This approach is critical for Nigeria’s economic development, as it can help stimulate local industries and create employment opportunities.
The FMITI has several agencies under its umbrella, including the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which is responsible for facilitating the promotion and development of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
The collaboration between the NARC and the FMITI demonstrates the Nigerian government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development. By working together, these institutions can share knowledge, expertise, and resources to drive economic progress.
The visit also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth. By leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential and create a more prosperous future for its citizens.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, collaborations like the one between the NARC and the FMITI offer a beacon of hope for a brighter economic future.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for economic growth and development. By working together, these institutions can drive economic progress, promote SMEs, and create a more prosperous future for Nigerians.
Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr Dafang I. Sule, with the Director Human Resource Development NARC, and also the leader of the NARC team, Brig. Gen. Abimbola Yussuph, in a group photograph with the FMITI Management team and the Participants of Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 7/24 of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre during their Study Tour to the Ministry on Friday 07/02/25.
