In a groundbreaking move to strengthen economic resilience and foster sustainable development, Nigeria’s government has officially launched a pioneering platform aimed at deepening the partnership with its private sector. Spearheaded by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the inaugural session of the Government–Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series marked a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
Held amidst a vibrant assembly of industry leaders, government officials, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, the forum—tagged “Finance and SME Growth Roundtable”—took place in Lagos, a bustling hub of business activity. Its primary goal was to establish a continuous, structured communication channel where entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers could exchange ideas, voice concerns, and collaboratively shape Nigeria’s economic future.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to being more present, transparent, and accountable. She articulated a vision where policies are crafted not in isolation but through active engagement with those on the ground—business owners, innovators, and community representatives. “This platform is more than a dialogue; it’s a social contract that recognizes entrepreneurs as vital partners in nation-building,” she stated.
The Minister highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s overarching goal of creating a business-friendly environment rooted in reform and partnership. “You are not just businesspeople—you are architects of Nigeria’s future. Together, we can unlock opportunities that uplift communities and drive economic resurgence,” she encouraged.
The forum featured insightful panel discussions involving representatives from the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Development Bank of Nigeria, and other key agencies. They unveiled new credit facilities, export financing options, and single-digit interest loans tailored to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurs and traders seized the opportunity to voice their challenges—access to affordable finance, complex tax policies, import restrictions, and export barriers—sparking candid conversations aimed at actionable solutions.
A highlight of the event was the palpable optimism among market leaders, who expressed a rare sense of hope stemming from genuine government-trader collaboration. Many praised the Minister’s initiative for bringing policy discussions directly to the people and pledged to work hand-in-hand to sustain momentum.
Supporting the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reform. He announced upcoming digital innovations, including the National Single Window Project, designed to streamline trade processes and reduce costs.
Looking ahead, the Ministry pledged to establish a dedicated desk to ensure ongoing engagement, making the dialogue a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s economic landscape. State officials from Lagos and prominent business associations, such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, also participated, underscoring a shared commitment to transformative growth.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed that this dialogue is just the beginning. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is a promise—an agreement to work together for Nigeria’s bright future. When enterprise flourishes, hope is renewed, and divisions diminish. This is Nigeria’s decade of resurgence,” she declared.
With the launch of this innovative platform, Nigeria signals its resolve to foster genuine collaboration between government and the private sector—paving the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous nation.
