The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the government at all levels to prioritize initiatives that would promote the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products and also designate a special day on the national calendar as ‘Proudly Nigeria Day’ to further deepen the campaign.
In the same vein, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) tasked Nigerians to patronise goods and services produced locally in the country to contribute to the growth of the economy.
The call was made at the opening ceremony of the 3-days Made-In-Nigeria Exhibition (MANEXPO2023), which is part of the association’s programme for the 51st Annual General Meeting of MAN, held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The MANEXPO2023 which holds from 17-19 October aligns with one of MAN’s core objectives, which is to encourage the widespread patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by consumers both within and outside the country.
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The President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye explained that the promotion of Made-in-Nigeria products will help grow the manufacturing sector, boost job creation, and grow the economy.
“While it is reassuring to note the government’s avowed commitment to curbing trade practices that have turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported products, it is important that the 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 government. This should also be cascaded to sub-nationals, including states and local governments.”
Similarly, UNIDO Regional Director for West and Central African Regions, Jean Bakole urged Nigerians to start to partonise goods and services produced locally to grow the economy.
“Due to the prevailing economic situation in the world, and in particular in the African region, the time is apt for all Nigerians to start patronising goods and services produced locally in Nigeria to encourage local manufacturers to support the economic growth.”
He added that “Nigeria is a leading economy in Africa; it is expected to make steady progress through accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development. In order to achieve this and promote economic growth and sustainable development. There is a need to support local manufacturers/MSMEs and startups who are involved in producing made-in-Nigeria goods.
“Over the years, Nigeria has been growing other countries’ economies through over-dependence on imported goods, especially those which have local substitutes. Yet, 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 also called on the government to come up with friendly policies, provide basic infrastructure (energy, roads, etc) and other key incentives as well as effective continued support to MAN and its members to deepen the campaign.
A lot of companies showcased their innovative and Made-in-Nigeria products at the ongoing exhibition.
