The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council are urging Nigerians to back local manufacturers by choosing Made-in-Nigeria products and services. They highlight the challenge of negative perceptions hindering the promotion of indigenous goods.
During a Strategic Focus Group Meeting on Made-in-Nigeria Products in Abeokuta, Babajide Sawyerr from NASENI’s Lagos Office emphasized the importance of boosting local patronage to drive economic growth. The meeting aimed to bring together manufacturers, academia, SMEs, and industry leaders to enhance the productivity and acceptance of Nigerian-made products.
Sawyerr stressed that changing the stigma associated with local goods requires a joint effort, acknowledging that many Nigerian products are of excellent quality and should be supported to strengthen the economy.
Hadiza Kashiat from the NEPC echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that altering negative perceptions is crucial for the acceptance of Nigerian-made products. She urged a shift in mindset to appreciate locally produced goods and highlighted the global demand for Nigerian products like lubricants, ginger, sesame seeds, and palm oil.
Kashiat encouraged emulating China’s approach of prioritizing local industries for economic growth, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to support its manufacturers and consume domestically produced goods.
Ibrahim Idris from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture identified challenges such as high energy costs, forex fluctuations, inadequate research funding in universities, and the production of substandard goods as obstacles impeding the country’s industrial progress.