The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by its Chief Representative Yuzurio Susumu and accompanied by Masayasu Okuyama, Deputy Director of International Cooperation at the Japan Productivity Centre, held a strategic meeting with Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Tuesday.
The high-level engagement focused on deepening collaboration between Japan and Nigeria to address challenges within the country’s industrial sector and promote sustainable growth.
Susumu outlined JICA’s comprehensive approach to development cooperation in Nigeria, which includes technical assistance, financing, investment, and grant programs aimed at entrepreneurial development and private-sector collaboration.
He emphasised JICA’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality economic and social development, noting that the agency’s strategy is centered on building a resilient economy, strengthening health systems, and promoting peace and stability.
In his remarks, Senator Enoh thanked the Japanese government for its continued support and highlighted the industrial sector as a vital pillar for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He referred to the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, specifically the seventh point, which targets economic diversification through industrialisation, digital innovation, manufacturing, creative arts, and technology.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to international cooperation and emphasised the Ministry’s proactive steps through the establishment of the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG).
He expressed confidence in the sector’s potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP, citing key priorities such as energy infrastructure, long-term affordable financing, workforce development, and innovation.
Additionally, Okuyama proposed the organisation of a Kaizen awareness seminar and workshop in partnership with the Ministry.
The initiative aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality standards in both public and private sectors, while also promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
The meeting concluded with mutual optimism about the future of Nigeria-Japan industrial cooperation.
