The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has launched the maiden edition of the Government–Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series, a new platform aimed at deepening collaboration between policymakers and business leaders to promote inclusive economic growth.
Held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, the inaugural edition themed “Finance and SME Growth Roundtable” brought together industry leaders, heads of federal agencies, market executives, and Lagos State officials. The dialogue marks the beginning of a structured and continuous engagement between government and Nigeria’s business community, starting with the dynamic trading and entrepreneurial network of South East origin based in Lagos.
In her address, Uzoka-Anite said the Renewed Hope Administration is committed to making governance more responsive and participatory, explaining that the GPS platform was designed to ensure policies are crafted “with the people, not for them.”
“We are transitioning from survival mode to influence mode,” she said. “Government can design policy, business can activate productivity, and together, we can build prosperity.”
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on a business-friendly Nigeria anchored on reform and partnership, the minister described the dialogue as a “practical expression of inclusive growth.”
The event featured panel discussions with key agencies, including the Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), CREDICORP, FIRS, SON, NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service, NOTAP, and NEPC.
Agency heads showcased single-digit loan schemes, export financing programmes, and business support facilities, while participants raised concerns over access to finance, taxation, import bottlenecks, and export readiness.
Market leaders described the initiative as “the first genuine collaboration between government and traders in decades,” commending Uzoka-Anite for “bringing government to the people.”
Joining virtually, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, praised the initiative and pledged federal support, stressing that “dialogue, timing, and consultation are the keys to effective reform.” He also announced the upcoming National Single Window Project to streamline trade processes and reduce import/export costs.
To sustain engagement, the ministry launched a WhatsApp Coordination Forum linking federal agencies, traders, and associations for continuous feedback and collaboration.
In her closing remarks, Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed that the GPS Dialogue will be a recurring engagement, not a one-off consultation.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan it is a social contract,” she said. “When enterprise thrives, divisions fade. When opportunity is shared, hope is renewed. Together, we will make this the Decade of Nigerian Resurgence.”
