The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Trade and Investment

  • Buhari’s foreign trips in order, says Senator Nakudu

    Buhari’s foreign trips in order, says Senator Nakudu

    The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Mohammed Sabo Nakudu has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent trips abroad were part of the price Nigeria had to pay for the impunity and reign of terror witnessed in the country during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Senator Nakudu who spoke with The Nation in Abuja on Wednesday said the criticism against President Buhari on his foreign trips were based on ignorance as Nigeria would benefit more from some of the multi-national and bilateral agreements signed by the president abroad.

    He cited the agreement signed by the President with the Government of the United Arab Emirate, UAE, among others as example, saying in a short while billion of dollars starched away in that country would be repatriated into Nigeria.

    Senator Nakudu who represents Jigawa South-West in the National Assembly also defended President Buhari’s Ministers , saying it was unfair to described them as lacklustre since they have not even implemented any budget of their own on their assumption of office last year.

    He said the 2016 federal budget which focuss on the the diversification of the economy would address the problems of unemployment and poverty if faithfully implemented, stressing there is wisdom in the government action to improve revenue earnings from the minining and agriculture sectors.

    His words: “the 2016 budget is a clear intention of the government to do away with oil revenues and embrace agriculture and minining. The 2016 budget is geared towards providing the enabling environment for the economy to grow as can be seen from the allocations to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and with economc growth, the issue of poverty and unemployment will be reduced.

    “The budget is also farmers friendly because the present government has realized the importance agriculture can play in our economic life. However, it must be emphasized that success in agriculture cannot be achieved without the necessary support from all tiers of government as being done in developed countries.”

    Senator Nakudu who enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the administration as steps are being taken to right so many wrongs in the system, said it would take a systematic approach to rejuvenate the economy of the country.

    “The administration has prioritized the issues of corruption and insecurity. And we have seen the results of both. Insurgent activities have reduced drastically and people are now being careful and cautious in government offices. The administration is doing the right thing and I believe everybody who mean well for this country would key into that,” Nakudu stated.

  • FG plans nationwide campaign for Made-in-Nigeria products

    FG plans nationwide campaign for Made-in-Nigeria products

    The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, on Friday in Abuja said that the ministry would soon launch a nationwide campaign to encourage Nigerians to patronise made-in Nigieria products.

    Abubakar stated this at the signing of a footwear production agreement between Global Smartfit Nigeria Ltd and Labora Shoes Ltd of South Africa in her office.

    The campaign is tagged, ” Patronise Naija Products’’.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Aminu Bisala, the minister lauded the partnership deal aimed at boosting local manufacturing of leathers and other footwear products.

    “This venture is very commendable and there is no reason why it cannot be supported.

    ”Already, the ministry is furthering the campaign for made-in-Nigeria products, for us in Nigeria to consume what we produce and produce what we consume, and even go beyond that to export.

    “We have the people, we have the brain, we have the resources, and so there is nothing stopping us. As a nation we are proud of our commodities, we are proud of our products.

    “It is for the producers to ensure quality. An average Nigerian wants value for money and that is why possibly in the past you find them patronising even substandard foreign goods with the thinking that they are getting quality.

    “So, this is a laudable venture, and along with the Patronise Naija Products campaign, which we are going to launch very soon; we are going to support all similar initiatives not only in shoe production, but in all areas of SMEs (small and medium enterprises).

    “And I assure you that the government is doing all it can to further that cause. That is the spirit of this government, we are going to ensure the patronage of made in Nigeria products with all the patriotism of Nigerians that it deserves.

    “So, I commend you, and the foreign partner, it is a very welcome development. So, we hope in no distant future, we will not only be supplying the domestic market but also the West African market and even to South Africa.’’

    Mr Ogonna Okonkwo, the Managing Director of Global Smartfit, an indigenous footwear manufacturing company, said that the partnership would result in the establishment of shoe factories in different parts of the country.

    Okonkwo listed the economic benefits for the country to include job opportunities for Nigerians and local manpower development in mechanised shoe production.

    He expressed his readiness to partner with interested state governments in establishing shoe factories in their domains and training their indigenes in the art for economic development.

    Chief Executive Officer of Labora, Mr Desmond Chunderlal, said that Nigerians were deprived of affordable locally made quality footwear due to the absence of a structured footwear industry in the country.

    Chunderlal, however, said that with the partnership, the situation would soon be reversed for the overall development of the nation’s economy.