Tinubu Calls For Stronger National Quality Infrastructure To Boost Nigeria’s Trade

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advocated for enhancing Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to boost trade, economic diversification, and the nation’s global competitiveness. He emphasized the critical role of quality assurance in facilitating seamless international trade and promoting industrial growth.

Driving Economic Growth Through Quality Assurance

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at a Lagos workshop on “Sustainable Provision of Metrology Services in Nigeria,” Tinubu highlighted the importance of a robust quality infrastructure. Such a framework, he noted, would strategically position Nigeria to capitalize on opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event, part of the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), focused on strengthening Nigeria’s NQI to boost non-oil exports, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and support local industries.

Enhancing the Naira and Job Creation

Through Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, Tinubu underscored that a strong quality system, anchored by the Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP), could enhance the Naira’s value, increase capacity utilization, generate employment, and drive economic growth. He encouraged stakeholders to implement the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, noting Nigeria’s recognition as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion at the 38th African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa.

Commitment from the National Quality Council

Osita Aboloma, Executive Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), reiterated the Council’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure. He stated that effective NNQP implementation would minimize export rejections and expand Nigeria’s global market share.

UK’s Support for Nigeria’s Economic Diversification

Dr. Simeon Umukoro, representing the UK Department for Business & Trade (FCDO), reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for Nigeria’s economic diversification through trade partnerships. He emphasized the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership MoU and highlighted how the SPP, led by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with the NQC, aims to promote standardization, eliminate trade barriers, and improve regulatory compliance.

“By enhancing Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure, we are creating new avenues to drive innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth for both nations,” Umukoro stated.