In a bid to accelerate e-commerce growth and expand digital access, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has opened strategic talks with Jumia Nigeria.
According to guardian.ng, the collaboration aims to align private sector innovation with government-led reforms outlined in the forthcoming National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.
The high-level meeting in Abuja brought together senior officials from the Ministry and Jumia Nigeria’s executives, including Chief Executive Officer, Temidayo Ojo; Regional Head of Public Relations and Communications, Robert Awodu and Head of Legal, Uche Allison.
Discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, boosting rural access to online marketplaces, and enhancing competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Highlighting Jumia’s commitment, Ojo said: “The minister’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria is both bold and essential. Through initiatives like our E-Commerce in Rural Areas programme, we are bridging the gap for underserved communities, connecting more Nigerians to the opportunities of the digital economy.”
Ojo highlighted Jumia Nigeria’s e-Commerce in Rural Areas Initiative, designed to bridge the digital divide by extending online shopping access to underserved and rural communities, which has engaged thousands of Nigerians through pickup stations, a nationwide logistics network, and JForce (independent local sales consultants).
Welcoming the Jumia team, Dr Oduwole urged e-commerce players to study and align with the E-Governance Bill, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure whose goal is clear; to drive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and cement Nigeria’s position as a leading player in the global digital marketplace.
