The policy direction of the new administration at the federal level should focus on deepening domestic production and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products, manufacturers have advocated.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of three-day Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition( MANEXPO 2023) to mark the 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, held in Lagos yesterday, the president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, said this is crucial for the socio-economic growth of the country.
The MANEXPO 2023, he said, aligned with one of MAN’s core objectives, which is to actively encourage the widespread patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by consumers both within and outside the country.
Meshioye stated that, “in encouraging the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria product, we acknowledge the contribution of some government policies aimed at improving local content development and patronage, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.
“While it is reassuring to note the government’s avowed commitment to curbing trade practices that has turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported products, it is important that government takes immediate action to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of adherence to government initiatives aimed at promoting the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products among all ministries, departments and agencies of govt. This should also be cascaded to sub-nationals, including states and local governments.”
According to him, “We envision and anticipate a future in Nigeria where the government will designate a special day on the national calendar as ‘Proudly Nigeria Day.’ On this special day, all individuals and government ministries, departments and agencies would be encouraged to dress in Made-in-Nigeria outfits and prioritise the purchase of products that are locally made.
“Such initiatives would serve as catalysts to boost both the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods, a crucial milestone in the path towards a virile and competitive manufacturing sector.
“I am convinced that massive support for the growth of domestic production through the patronage of locally made goods will greatly improve capacity utilisation, job creation and manufacturing contribution to gross domestic product.”
Meshioye said, MAN remains focused and committed to its advocacy for a conducive business environment and specific targeted policies that will support the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products, stating that , ‘MAN’s commitment to promoting local content development remains a strategic cornerstone for revitalising our struggling economy.’
MAN reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of high quality and competitive Made-in-Nigeria products, urging, “members to continue to innovate and upgrade their manufacturing processes and product standards to foster increased competitiveness. This is particularly crucial in light of the potential advantages that the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement presents for the manufacturing sector.”
Regional director for West and Central African regions, UNIDO, Mr. Jean Bakole, explained that Nigeria can easily experience a breakthrough in the quest for local content development and a stable, strong and advanced economy if Nigerians would encourage the production and patronise made-in-Nigeria products.
He stated that, the economy of any nation grows rapidly when locally made goods are promoted through patronage, first by its people then through export, saying that over-dependence on importation of goods weakens the currency, creates unemployment, and consistently reduces the GDP.
