The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly called on Nigerians increase the patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods as this is the right way to revitalize the ailing economy.
This call was made at opening ceremony of the 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN in Lagos on Tuesday.
The President of MAN, Otunba Frances Meshioye, noted that MAN has consistently organized this exhibition for the past five years with the primary purpose of showcasing the strength of manufacturing in Nigeria and canvassing for the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.
According the MAN President, the MANEXPO2023 aligns 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 said: “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.
“Undeniably, these are clear signals of government’s appreciation of the need to promote local production and encourage patronage of locally manufactured products. We are expectant that the policy direction of the new administration will focus on deepening domestic production and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.
“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. 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 prioritize the purchase of products that are locally made.
Such initiatives would serve as catalysts to boost the production and consumption of “Made-in-Nigeria” goods, a crucial milestone in the path towards a virile and competitive manufacturing sector.”
On his part, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Jean Bakole, UNIDO Regional Director for West and Central African regions stated that the prevailing economic situation in the world, and the African region in particular, the time is apt for all Nigerians to start patronising goods and services produced locally in Nigeria to encourage local manufactures to support the economy growth.
Bakole pointed out that Nigeria is a leading economy in Africa, adding that 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 need to support local manufacturers/MSME and start-ups 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.
“It is a well-known fact that the economy of any nation grows rapidly when locally made goods are promoted through patronage, first by its people then through export. Over-dependence on importation of goods weakens the currency, creates unemployment, and consistently reduces the GDP. On the other hand, local production will promote gainful employment for Nigerians and will reduce the dependence on the consumption of foreign products and reduce poverty,” he stressed.
