The Continental President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-AFRICA), Mrs Ngozi Oyewole, has called on other developing nations to adopt the current economic policies and reforms of President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.
Oyewole made this known during her presentation at the US/Africa Trade and Business Network, Inc meeting. The event was held in New York City alongside the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a statement signed and released on Friday in Abuja, Oyewole asserted that Nigeria currently stands at a decisive turning point. She emphasized that the need for industrialization, stronger value chains, and deeper trade integration is not just urgent, but essential for national progress.
She explained that with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there is the chance to compete globally while collaborating regionally.
“I must commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for the bold steps already taken; especially the tax reviews and the suspension of the four per cent FOB levy and the progressive reforms to ease the cost of doing business.
“Special recognition goes to the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, whose collaboration with the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir has injected fresh energy into the industrial sector.
“As Chair of the Sectoral Group on Wood and Wood Products, I can affirm that these reforms are not abstract, they are working.
“I urge you all: borrow from what Nigeria is doing, because it is working. We are beginning to see growth, backward integration and renewed investor confidence.
“This is the type of model Africa needs; practical, inclusive and results-driven,” she said.
She noted that women are the backbone of trade and industry.
According to her, through the work of CBW Africa, present now in more than 25 countries, there are daily proof that women are not just contributors, but also, nurturers, builders and multipliers of value.
“Truly, who can beat the determination, resilience and creativity of an African woman entrepreneur?’’.
On bridge building, Oyewole, who is also the Vice Chair, Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), commended Mr Gbenga Omotayo, Founder of the US Africa Trade and Business Network.
“Gbenga is more than a leader; he is a beacon of hope for the Diaspora and a tireless worker, a connector of opportunities and a true bridge between Africa and the world.
“He doesn’t just dream of Africa’s global relevance, he labours day and night, to make it real. He is the proof that one who is visionary can ignite many and that Africans in the Diaspora are our strength, not our distance.
“Colleagues, the future of trade and industrialisation in Africa lies in three things: harnessing our human capital, empowering our women and building value chains strong enough to compete globally.
“If we unite on this path, the challenges of today will become the opportunities of tomorrow. Together, let us rise, build and trade, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come,” Oyewole said.
