Photograph — Magic FM
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday launched the Nigerian Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI), at the Banquet Hall, State House. It was initiated by the foreign affairs ministry to connect local businesses with opportunities abroad and professionals in the diaspora with businesses in the country.
Speaking at the launch, he stated that NEDI is a game-changing initiative that has been designed to complement the fundamental economic objective of the Federal Government, which is to improve the well-being of Nigerians as individuals and collectively.

“In the case of Nigeria, the private sector is particularly important because it accounts for well over 90 percent of our GDP. We are fully aware that building a competitive and vibrant national economy of our dream relies on enabling the innovation and dynamism of our private sector operators to flourish,” he said.

The Chief Host, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “NEDI is designed to ensure economic growth and development through the facilitation of market access, cross-border trade, and recruitment of skilled Nigerians in Diaspora for national development.”
“This initiative is a result of our commitment to leverage on existing infrastructure to stimulate economic growth for Nigerians in the country and Diaspora.”
The unemployment rate in the country has been on an upward trend, however, one way of changing this is by seeing to it that the government engages the private sector. It is important the government provides critical infrastructure and the right platform to empower the private sector to become more productive. Also, there is a need to promote initiatives that would reduce the barrier to entry for budding entrepreneurs.
Other speakers at the event include Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Ms. Seun Omobo, SA to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Segun Awolowo, Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC); Ms. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council and many other top dignitaries.
NEDI is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and by Investment (FMTI); the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Ms. Seun Omobo, Special Adviser to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs
Cross section of guests at the event
Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and John Boyega, British Nigerian Actor
Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ms. Seun Omobo, Special Adviser to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs
Monalisa Chinda, Dakore Egbuson and Adebola Williams
Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Representatives of the Oba of Lagos

 

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