The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to actively patronise and promote locally made goods and services to foster sustainable economic development.
This call was made during the Regional and State Coordinators Conference of Made-in-Nigeria Products, held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, and Supervising Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, described the initiative as pivotal for the nation’s economic advancement. Represented by the Director of the International Organisation Department, Musiliu Oladunjoye, Danjuma said,
“This conference represents a crucial step in Nigeria’s journey toward economic growth and development. Through effective collaboration, innovative solutions, and capacity building, the Made-in-Nigeria project will gain the momentum it deserves.”
The National Coordinator of the Made-in-Nigeria Project, George Nwabueze, also highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. He noted that the project goes beyond being a mere slogan to becoming a movement that can redefine Nigeria’s economic fortunes.
“The ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ project is a powerful movement that can uplift our economic fortunes. It’s about taking pride in our homegrown products, crafted and delivered by our talented entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators,” Nwabueze said, urging Nigerians to embrace locally produced goods and services.
Barrister Promise Ogadinma Mbani, the Eastern Coordinator of Made-in-Nigeria Products, pointed out a key challenge facing the initiative: the cultural preference for foreign products. In his keynote address, he emphasized the need for strategic interventions to change this mindset.
“One of the major setbacks for Made-in-Nigeria products is the ingrained cultural preference for foreign goods,”
“To overcome this, we need to focus on the registration, standardisation, and promotion of our locally made products and services. Educating and creating awareness among Nigerians is vital to improving patronage both within and outside the country.”Mbani said.
The conference served as a platform to advocate for policy support, capacity building, and heightened public awareness to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian-made products in the global market.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the initiative and encouraged all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria products become a cornerstone of national economic development.