NEWS
Lagos Unveils Bold Industrial Policy
Lagos State will launch its Industrial Policy (2025–2030) on Thursday, outlining a strategy to position the state as Africa’s leading industrial and manufacturing hub.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, disclosed this at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
She said the policy reflected months of stakeholder consultations, data-driven analysis and alignment with global best practices in industrial planning and sustainable economic growth.
Ambrose-Medebem described the document as the most ambitious industrial agenda ever conceived by the Lagos State Government in recent history.
“Within 72 hours, Lagos will launch its Industrial Policy 2025–2030, committing stakeholders to a coherent and actionable plan for industrial transformation,” she said.
She noted that the policy provided a clear roadmap for economic diversification, reduced import dependence and increased value addition across critical sectors of the state’s economy.
Ambrose-Medebem said the initiative was driven by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and aligned with his THEMES Plus development agenda.
“The governor insists on strategic planning, disciplined execution and strong public-private collaboration as foundations for sustainable prosperity,” she said.
She added that policy continuity and institutional coordination would be prioritised to ensure that implementation remains consistent beyond political cycles.
The commissioner noted that Lagos remained Nigeria’s economic backbone, contributing significantly to industrial output, trade expansion and non-oil revenue generation.
“Lagos remains West Africa’s financial and commercial hub, with over 20 million people engaged in daily economic activities,” Ambrose-Medebem said.
She said the state’s large population, coastal advantage and entrepreneurial culture positioned it uniquely for industrial expansion and regional economic leadership.
According to her, the policy targets agro-processing, manufacturing, creative economy, healthcare, blue economy and digital trade as priority sectors.
She explained that these sectors were selected based on their job creation potential, export capacity and ability to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The policy addresses constraints to industrial growth, with timelines to tackle infrastructure, regulatory and supply chain challenges,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem emphasised that small and medium-sized enterprises would play a central role in achieving the policy’s objectives.
“SMEs remain our economic backbone; we are expanding finance access, removing bottlenecks and boosting competitiveness,” she said.
She said targeted interventions would include easier access to credit, improved regulatory processes and capacity-building programmes for entrepreneurs.
The commissioner stated that innovation, technology adoption and human capital development would drive the policy’s implementation across all sectors.
“We are building a workforce for a digital, knowledge-driven industrial future through skills development and institutional partnerships,” she said.
She added that collaboration with academic institutions and private organisations would strengthen research, innovation and workforce readiness.
Ambrose-Medebem noted that sustainability had been embedded within the policy framework to ensure environmentally responsible industrialisation.
“Our industrial expansion will align with cleaner production and global environmental standards for long-term sustainability,” she said.
She disclosed that implementation had already commenced through several flagship programmes initiated by the state government.
“The N10 billion LASG-BoI MSME financing initiative is underway, with initial disbursements expected within weeks,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem said the funding programme would be delivered through cooperatives to ensure wider reach and effective monitoring of beneficiaries.
She also highlighted progress on the Imota Light Industrial Park as a key infrastructure component supporting industrial growth.
“The park will provide affordable, purpose-built facilities, improving efficiency and reducing production costs,” she said.
She noted that the facility would particularly benefit small and medium manufacturers seeking access to modern industrial infrastructure.
Ambrose-Medebem announced the Invest in Lagos Summit 3.0 scheduled for June 8 and June 9.
“The summit will attract global investors and showcase the policy to secure investment commitments,” she said.
She said the event would further strengthen Lagos’ visibility as a competitive destination for foreign direct investment and strategic partnerships.
The commissioner confirmed that the official policy launch would be held on April 30 at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
“The event will convene investors, industry leaders and partners to unveil the policy framework and implementation strategy,” she said.
She urged journalists to play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public discourse around the policy.
“The media is a vital bridge between government and the public, and we rely on accurate, critical reporting,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive industrial growth that benefits all segments of the population.
“Our goal is Lagos where industries thrive, businesses scale and citizens access meaningful employment,” she said.
She emphasised that the policy would prioritise job creation, youth empowerment and improved living standards across the state.
Ambrose-Medebem invited stakeholders, investors and development partners to actively participate in the policy launch and implementation process.
“We encourage active engagement to realise Lagos as Africa’s industrial hub,” she said.
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Stakeholders from Enugu North Senatorial District on Sunday paid a thank-you visit to Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, expressing deep appreciation for what they described as unprecedented development strides across the state and inclusive leadership in the zone.
Speaking on behalf of the zone, the traditional ruler of Edem Ani and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, and the former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, commended the governor for facilitating the appointment of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, describing it as a historic milestone for the district.
They also thanked him for honouring the late Senator Okey Ezea with a befitting state burial despite his opposition party affiliation, noting that the gesture underscored the governor’s statesmanship and commitment to unity.
They stressed that their visit was driven by verifiable results rather than sentiment, noting that “Our solidarity is anchored not on empty rhetorics, but on visible, tangible achievements and evidence that cannot be denied.”
The stakeholders further highlighted the upgrade of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), which now has a teaching hospital, alongside the appointment of 70 professors, as a major boost to medical education and healthcare delivery in the zone.
They listed other key interventions to include the construction of 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in Enugu North, figures they noted surpassed those in other senatorial zones, as well as the establishment of modern transport infrastructure such as interchange terminals in Nsukka and the deployment of CNG buses to ease commuting.
The group also cited ongoing road infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of the Opi – Ugwuogo Nike – Abakpa Road and the Owo – Ubahu – Amankanu – Umualor – Ikem- Obollo Afor dual carriageway, which they said were opening up economic corridors and strengthening regional connectivity.
They equally acknowledged the near completion of the Ama – Akama Oghe – Olo – Iwollo – Umulokpa road linking Uzo-Uwani to other parts of the state, describing it as a critical integration route.
Beyond infrastructure, the stakeholders commended the governor for facilitating federal appointments for sons of Nsukka, as well as revitalising moribund state assets such as Nigergas, United Palm Products Limited (UPPL), Sunrise Flour Mills, and Hotel Presidential, Enugu, among others.
They also referenced flagship projects such as the International Conference Centre (ICC), the 5-star ICC Hotel, the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, and the New Enugu Smart City, noting that over 3,000 projects had been executed or were ongoing across the state.
The stakeholders declared their full support for the governor’s re-election bid, insisting that no previous administration had delivered as much for the state.
“In just two years, governance in Enugu has shifted from promises to measurable results, with Nsukka Zone standing as one of the greatest beneficiaries”, they stated.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the stakeholders for the visit and reiterated his administration’s commitment to equity and non-discriminatory governance.
He further explained that the higher number of projects in Enugu North Zone was based on objective parameters such as the number of wards, noting that the zone has 102 wards compared to Enugu West’s 81 and Enugu East’s 77.
The governor assured the people of the zone of continued investments in road infrastructure and other sectors, stressing that Enugu North occupies a strategic place in his development agenda.
“We do what difficulty demands. When we presented ourselves to serve you, we committed to these things, and we must keep to our promises,” he said, stressing that his administration was determined to meet the infrastructure needs of the people despite limited resources.
The governor explained that his vision was to eliminate unpaved roads across the state, describing it as unacceptable in the 21st century, and disclosed that after constructing about 350 roads in Enugu capital city, over 1,022 roads remained, which would all be paved.
“Next to Enugu city is Nsukka. We are going to conduct the enumeration of all the roads in Nsukka, and we will ensure that we have all the roads without exception. That is the right thing to do,” he added, noting that road projects were already ongoing in areas such as Ugwuachara, Lejja, and Akpakwume-Nze to Aku.
He further noted that ongoing urban renewal initiatives, though involving some displacement, were being mitigated through the construction of modern markets with adequate facilities for affected traders.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of symbolic gifts to the governor on behalf of the zone by Igwe Asadu, who also announced that the zone would purchase the governor’s nomination form at the forthcoming Enugu North Mega Rally scheduled for May 2, 2026.
The delegation, which was led by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, had in attendance the former Deputy Governor, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi; former senator for the zone, Senator Chukwuka Utazi; present and former members of the House of Representatives from the zone; the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; and other serving and former state lawmakers, State Executive Council members, Council Chairmen, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere; senior government officials; traditional rulers; and other prominent stakeholders from the zone.
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State Police operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), on April 11, 2026, successfully rescued a kidnapped male victim who had been lured online, abducted, and compelled to pay a ransom of five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000.
00).In a statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State command headquarters Daniel Ndukwe said that during the operation, a 27-year-old male suspect, Aniagboso Ugochukwu, identified as a member of the criminal syndicate, was arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the same syndicate had, on April 1, 2026, lured and kidnapped another male victim, from whom they extorted a ransom of one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000.
00) before releasing him.Furthermore investigations indicate that the suspect and his accomplices on the run, employ deceptive tactics on social media platforms by advertising fictitious job vacancies. Unsuspecting victims who indicate interest are directed to a meeting point at Eke Obinagu, Emene, Enugu. They are subsequently transported to a secluded location in Akpuoga Nike, Enugu, where they are held captive and threatened with crude weapons, including iron objects and wooden planks, while ransom is demanded from their families.
The suspect confessed to the crime. He is currently in police custody and assisting ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending his fleeing accomplices, recovering the ransoms paid, and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mamman Bitrus Giwa has urged members of the public to exercise due caution when engaging with online job offers and to verify the authenticity of such opportunities before taking further steps.
He also encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command through the following emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093.
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa on 27th April 2026, visited the Police Detective College Enugu, to inspect facilities designated for the conduct of the written examination for successful applicants in the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State command headquarters Daniel Ndukwe, said that the visit was aimed at ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place ahead of the examination, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 28th April, and conclude on Thursday 30th April 2026 at the Police Detective College, Enugu.
It would be recalled that the physical and credentials screening stage of the recruitment process recently concluded, paving the way for the current written examination stage.
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