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Tag: made-in-Nigeria goods

  • Patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, FG urges Nigerians

    Patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, FG urges Nigerians

    The Federal Government has called on the Nigerians to  patronize locally made products to grow the  country’s economy.

     This call was made by Engineer Joseph Oladimeji Alasoluyi, a deputy director at the National Agency for Science  and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), during a strategic focus group meeting on made-in-Nigeria products in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

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     Alasoluyi who decried the low patronage of Nigerians of  locally-made products and preference for foreign goods, said patronizing homegrown products would not only revitalize the country’s economy but also stimulate local  manufacturing industries.

     He said that the country has the capacity to produce quality goods and products that can compete favourably with foreign goods.

     He noted that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously  to reduce dependence on imported goods and promote local manufacturing.

  • ‘Why made-in-Nigeria goods should be promoted’

    ‘Why made-in-Nigeria goods should be promoted’

    Nigerians have been urged to patronise and promote goods made in the country to provide employment opportunities for  qualified youths.

    Industrialist and manufacturer, Dr Austin Lazarus, made the admonition in Benin, the Edo State capital.

    The focus group meeting was organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to discuss the challenges facing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the opportunities available for manufacturers and the country.

    The well-attended meeting also had representatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Edo Ministry of Science and Technology, manufacturers, and the academia, among others.

    The stakeholders in the manufacturing sector called for collaboration between manufacturers, the universities and governments to conduct research, with the aim of enhancing the quality of local manufacturing and promoting made in Nigeria goods.

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    Lazarus, through his visits to China, stated that emphasis should be placed by Nigerian manufacturers on reverse engineering and a shift in mindset to strengthen the country’s manufacturing base, while upholding the critical roles of research and development in industrial growth.

    He said: “There should be a strong collaboration between the industries and academia. The industries produce goods, products, and machinery. There are times the industries need to improve on their quality reach, and they want to make their products have some superior features, but they do not know how to go about them, because they are there working and producing, but there are some people who are there in the citadels of learning, theirs is to research.

    “Manufacturers should go to the researchers to discuss how to have more value for their products. The industries must move to academia. The companies can fund the research because technology is about solving problems.”

    NASENI’s representative, Dr Emmanuel Obinna, noted that the agency had been playing critical roles in driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement, with manufacturers in the country producing many quality products.

    The Managing Director ICTA, Mr. Eghosa Urhoghide, assured that Edo state government was ready to support and partner NASENI to achieve its aims.

    The representative of SON,  Opobio Clapperton, revealed that one of the reasons sub-standard products were entering Nigeria was because SON was not present at all the points of entry, but noted that the organisation was working to support local manufacturers to move the country forward.

  • Made in Nigeria: Govt takes gospel to schools

    Made in Nigeria: Govt takes gospel to schools

    The Federal Government has taken the gospel of the patronage of made in Nigeria products to  secondary schools in all the geo-political zones of the country.

    Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), a council under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology says it is to reverse the country’s culture of import dependency.

    Director General/ CEO RMRDC, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim said that for the country to make meaningful headways in the development of the economy through industrialization, the involvement of the target group is key.

    Speaking at the 2nd edition of RMRDC annual quiz competition among secondary schools in Nigeria held in Abuja.

    Ibrahim who was represented by the Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Chucks Ngaha stated.

    “This programme has been carefully packaged to arose the interest of our young ones in the effective and efficient utilization of the vast natural ’ resources endowment of this Country and to also engender innovations that will turn them into the development and value chain addition of our natural resources for economic growth and development.

    “For us as a nation to make any meaningful headway in our quest to develop our economy through industrialization, the involvement of this target group is therefore key, since the future of this great Country belongs to them. The message of patronage of our locally produced goods is better passed at this level for us to make meaningful impact in changing the orientation and our appetite for foreign goods to the detriment of the locally produced ones.

    ” As a Council, we enjoin all Nigerians to embrace this initiative and reverse our culture of Import dependent economy to an economy that is dependent on the local natural resources for growth and development. It is on this note that we call on good Spirited individuals and corporate bodies to join the Council in the sponsorship of this lofty idea as it is cost intensive to be borne by Council alone.”

  • Shoprite promotes made in Nigeria goods

    Shoprite promotes made in Nigeria goods

    Shoprite Nigeria, undoubtedly the leading retail store in Africa has flagged off a campaign to promote Proudly made in Nigeria products.

    The flagship event which took place at the Shoprite store at the Ikeja City Mall had in attendance top-flight manufacturers, start-ups and members of the press.

    First of its series, the event is aimed at strengthening existing relationships with producers, identifying gaps, harnessing new opportunities in line with improving the economic stability of the country, alongside creating the opportunity for local producers to showcase products and goods manufactured in Nigeria for export.

    The management of Shoprite hopes that this would encourage entrepreneurs who are in the business of production to partner with Shoprite to make Proudly Nigerian products a household name both locally and internationally.

  • NCRIB seeks more support for made-in-Nigeria goods

    The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has urged the government to give greater impetus to the patronage of indigenous goods to boost the   economy.

    Its President, Mr. Kayode Okunoren, made the plea in Lagos.

    While lauding the efforts of the government to revive the economy, he suggested that policies should be made government officials to encourage people to patronise locally produced goods.

    He said the comatose textile industry would come to life if there was a sincere pronouncement that workers could wear home-made clothes on certain days of the week.

    Okunoren, who cited other countries, said these countries looked inwards at some point, and that such actions would stimulate growth in the various sectors and give life to the economy.

    He said if this step was taken by the people, insurance would also witness a boost as more activities would be generated across various sectors of the economy, noting that the demand for dollar would crash when the demand for goods was intensified.

    He, however, called for sincerity on the part of the government to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.

    The NCRIB chief also urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration in fixing the economy and the ongoing war against corruption.

    Meanwhile, the NCRIB is giving further impetus to the government’s economic revival efforts as it has planned a conference for the month.

    The event with the theme “The future today” will hold on Thursday, November 10 in Abuja.

    The theme, according to the Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. Bola Onigbogi, is aimed at galvanising opinions on the shape and future of Nigeria’s economy and the role of the insurance industry.

    It will be declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    To lead discussions at the confab, which would attract participants from the industry, the organised private sector, the academia and the government is the former Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Remi Babalola.

    Also expected at the event are the Minister of Budget  and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Dr. Babatunde Fowler; Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; and Managing Director, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Dr. Lucy Newman, among others.

     

  • Senate demands First Option Policy on made in Nigeria goods

    Senate demands First Option Policy on made in Nigeria goods

    The Senate Wednesday asked the Federal Government to urgently initiate and implement the First Option Policy on purchase of locally manufactured products for government procurement in all arms of government.

    The upper chamber said that the policy should also be extended to every public funded organization.

    The lawmakers expressed commitment to amend the Procurement Act to ensure that agencies of government and government funded institution  adopted made-in-Nigeria goods First Option Policy.

    This followed a motion by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) entitled “Need for patronization of made in Nigeria good in Nigeria.”

    First Option Policy on purchase of locally made goods would compel Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to place priority on purchase of locally made products.

    Senate Abaribe, in his lead debate, expressed concern that investment in real sector had given way to trading in foreign and imported goods resulting in negative balance of trade, close down of textile companies, wood processing factories among others.

    The Abia State born lawmaker recalled that Nigeria’s economy was dependent on made in Nigeria exports, in the 60s and early 70s.

    He noted that in 60s and 70s, industries were located in the rural areas, while made-in- Nigeria products were popular in parts of the country and many other African countries.

    He said, “I recall that as at 1990, Nigeria had over 170 developed textile industries employing between 2000 and 10,000 workers each.

    “Today, only 12 are still functioning, the resultant loss of opportunities and employments is anyone’s guess.

    “The current depletion in forex earnings and forex available is a symptomatic effect of an import dependent economy, which is riddled with unemployment, negative balance of trade and low capital formation.”

    Abaribe noted that governments in other countries have developed and adopted varying measures of First Option Policy for their locally manufactured goods in their various countries.

    He listed countries like the United States, Chinese, and India, as some of the countries that made it mandatory for government agencies to source for locally manufactured goods before patronising goods from other countries.

    The lawmaker expressed optimism that if the present administration put measures in place to ensure obligatory official patronage of locally made products for all agencies of government, it would create jobs for the teeming population.

    Most Senators who contributed supported the motion and insisted that urgent action should taken by all arms of government to encourage the growth of made in Nigeria goods.

    Senator Dino Melaye in his contribution however personalized the issue.

    He said, “I want to celebrate the Made in Nigeria Senator for bringing this motion. In considering the made in Nigeria goods, we must look at enabling factors that will necessitate the made in Nigeria goods.

    “It’s beyond having one made in Nigeria attire and you have over 70 Tom Ford and Loubitins in your wardrobe.

    “We must reduce the allocation for made in Nigeria goods and services to the basics. What are those factors limiting the production of this goods. We must tackle them.

    “We must also begin to look at our legislation; we will begin to talk about made in Nigeria goods.

    “We will also move in order to encourage the made in Nigeria products in Nigeria, begin to talk about Made in Nigeria women.

    “Apologies to my uncle, the governor of Edo State, we must as a people stop paying dowries in dollars and pounds.  It is time for my colleagues here to become born again.”

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, commended Abaribe for his commitment for promotion of made-in-Nigeria products over the years.

    He said, “I had the opportunity to attend this year’s Made-in Aba trade fair, which Abaribe has been promoting using his own intervention fund.

    “It is commendable to see that for years he has used this money to support the trade fair. The major issue for us is the issue of job creation and we cannot do it without looking at ways to stimulate our own economy.

    “We would be spending close to N5 trillion in the 2016 budget in this regard and if that alone is going towards the local industries it will make a great deal.

    “We must see that we amend the law and oversight properly to see that we make a difference in this country.”

    Saraki called relevant committees to expedite action on amendment of the Procurement Act before passage of the 2016 budget to give First Option to two locally produced products. 

  • Saraki canvases patronage for local auto manufacturer 

    Saraki canvases patronage for local auto manufacturer 

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has urged the three arms of government to ensure the success of indigenous manufacturers as a way of rebuilding the economy and providing employment for the youth population.

    A statement Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sani Onogu said Saraki made the call while receiving a delegation from Innoson Motor Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, led by the founder, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

    It further urged government to use legislative actions and policy initiatives to protect local industries as a deliberate way of reviving the economy.

    According to him, government should introduce policies geared towards boosting local industries through patronage by government agencies.

    “That is why this eighth Senate is determined to amend the Procurement Law to ensure that government agencies patronise made in Nigeria products. I am sure the House of Representatives is in support of this.

    “It is our joint responsibility to ensure that you succeed. If you are successful, a lot more small and medium scale enterprises will draw inspiration from you and they will become successful.

    “That will help to create jobs which are one of the mandate presented to us by the youths of this country during the last elections. We in the legislature will look at all laws and help to create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive in Nigeria,” Saraki was quoted to have said.

    According to him, using laws to protect locally made goods is not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that a similar thing was done in the United States under President Herbert Hoover in 1933 while India and China have also enacted similar laws in the past.

    He lamented a situation where a company like Innoson only sold about 3,000 units of vehicles in 2015 when Nigerians buy about a million vehicles annually, adding that If Nigerians patronise made in Nigeria, cars it will force foreign manufacturers to set up plants in Nigeria.

  • Govt reiterates commitment to Made-in-Nigeria goods

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to growing the Made-in-Nigeria goods market–in line with its determination to create more jobs and generate wealth.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the  government’s policy on Made-in-Nigeria products, which gave priority to the patronage of locally-made products, will, among many other benefits, help curb the waste of foreign exchange on what could be manufactured in the country.

    Aganga spoke during the inspection of the Secure ID  plant for smart cards in Lagos.

    He said the launch of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) by President Goodluck Jonathan had kick-started the diversification of the economy and revenue source of the country since 2012.

    According to the minister, for the first time in the history of the nation, Nigeria has a robust and comprehensive plan, which the current administration started implementing in 2012.

    This, he noted, is to diversify the economy in the areas where Nigeria has competitive and comparative advantage.

    Aganga said: “The Federal Government is ahead of the present fall of oil price today by focusing on agro industrial processing such as sugarcane to sugar under the Sugar Master Plan Policy that has attracted $3 billion investment commitment; the development of local content and job creation under the auto policy; and backward integration in cement and rice production, among others.

    “Our approach has always been value addition, using local content, which had resulted to $14 billion investment in the oil and petrochemical industry. We have created a gas industrial park in Delta State mainly to provide a source of raw materials in the petrochemical sector.

    “The beauty of NIRP is that it looks into the areas of competitive and comparative advantage and focuses on how to reduce the cost of production and make products produced in the country more competitive and easier for Nigerians to afford.”

    The minister also said to boost industrial development, tariff adjustments were only being done on sectoral basis, stressing that tariffs to individual companies have been stopped since 2011.

  • SON to promote made-in-Nigeria goods

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is set to promote competitiveness of  made in Nigeria products through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) particularly for cottage,  small and medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    The Director-General of SON,  Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who was represented by Director of Operation, Mr. Nelson Oyebiyi, disclosed this during the flag off of the ‘Walk for Standard’ in Abuja to mark this year’s World Standard Day  with the theme: ‘Standard Level the Playing Field’.

    He said:  “The full implementation of this programme commenced through SON offices in all states of the federation,  as I use this medium to  urge all local manufacturers and assemblers to cooperate in getting their products certified. The process is designed to assist them implement the requirement of relevant standards from raw materials to the finish product with a view to offering quality products that offer value for money to consumers.

    “The certification to MANCAP will also ensure that locally manufactured products are subjected to similar conformity processes like the imported products undergo with SONCAP thus, creating a level playing field as stated in the theme of the 2014 World Standard Day.

    “The walk for standard, in addition to providing opportunities for interaction among stakeholders, is also aimed at propagating the ideals of quality through strict adherence to standard by manufacturers,  as well as the protection of consumers through the zero tolerance to substandard products initiative of the SON. It also provides an opportunity for participants to exercise for sound health.”

    Odumodu said the World Standard Day celebration on October 14 of every year is coordinated by three international standardisation bodies which are;  the International Organisations for Standardisation (IOS), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and International Electro technical Commission (IEC).