President Bola Tinubu made a decisive appointment by naming Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as the new Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. This strategic move aligns with the administration’s vision to bolster economic reform and transform the business landscape. Dr. Oduwole steps into the role with an impressive record and years of experience in shaping Nigeria’s business environment, succeeding Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, who now takes on the role of Minister of State for Finance.
The confirmation of Dr. Oduwole by the Senate marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s trade and investment strategy, as she brings a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to the helm. Her long-standing career as the President’s Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business places her in a unique position to carry forward the reforms she once advocated for in advisory capacities. Analysts anticipate her appointment could streamline Nigeria’s trade policies, promote investment growth, and open up new pathways for economic development in a nation with vast yet untapped market potential.
Dr. Oduwole’s credentials read like a roadmap of excellence and determination. She began her journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned an LL.B. in Law. Her academic pursuits took her to Cambridge University in England, where she completed an LL.M. in Commercial Law, under a prestigious DFID-Cambridge Commonwealth Trust scholarship. She further expanded her expertise with a master’s degree in International Legal Studies at Stanford University and later earned a doctorate in International Trade and Development with a focus on WTO Negotiation Strategy. Her scholarship and depth in international trade law are expected to bring valuable insights to Nigeria’s global trade initiatives.
With experience both locally and internationally, Dr. Oduwole has developed a robust understanding of policy-making and business reform that has already contributed to Nigeria’s economic landscape. During her tenure as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment from 2015 to 2019, she was instrumental in establishing the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN). This office now plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s position in global trade discussions, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Her involvement with AfCFTA has been particularly notable. Dr. Oduwole served on the Technical Working Group of the Presidential Committee for the AfCFTA Impact and Readiness Assessment, directly influencing Nigeria’s integration into the agreement. This background in shaping Nigeria’s role within AfCFTA is expected to drive her efforts in furthering Nigeria’s trade ambitions and strengthening its position as a critical player in Africa’s economic integration.
In addition to her governmental roles, Dr. Oduwole has overseen impactful projects as the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). The council, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was established to promote business reform and drive policy aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Under Dr. Oduwole’s leadership, PEBEC has made strides in creating a more favorable business environment for both local and international investors. As minister, she is expected to leverage these successes to scale up the council’s initiatives on a national level.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Oduwole has a distinguished history of academic and community leadership. From 2013 to 2015, she held the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity, awarded by the Netherlands in honor of Prince Claus. Her tenure as Chair included organizing landmark roundtable discussions on economic law, drawing attention to the intersection of human rights and international trade. This blend of academic and field expertise has won her global recognition as a thought leader in trade and development.
In 2020, Dr. Oduwole was selected for the inaugural cohort of The Amujae Initiative, a leadership program by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, recognizing her as one of Africa’s emerging female leaders. Her influence as part of this elite group highlights her commitment to women’s leadership and development across the continent, a cause she is likely to continue advancing in her new role.
Dr. Oduwole’s track record speaks to her resilience, innovation, and readiness to handle complex challenges. Her appointment brings renewed hope for a dynamic approach to Nigeria’s industrial and trade sectors, where her expertise could drive increased transparency, investment, and economic resilience. With an eye on both local growth and global competition, Dr. Oduwole’s leadership is anticipated to open doors for Nigeria’s industries to thrive in a globalized market.
