The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have called for increased support for local manufacturers by encouraging the purchase of Made-in-Nigeria goods. They emphasize that a negative perception of Nigerian products continues to hinder the promotion of indigenous goods.
At the Strategic Focus Group Meeting on Made-in-Nigeria Products held in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Babajide Sawyerr from NASENI’s Lagos office shared that the event aimed to unite various stakeholders, including manufacturers, academia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for enhancing the productivity and acceptance of Nigerian-made products.
Sawyerr acknowledged the challenges posed by the stigma surrounding local goods but stressed that improving the perception of these products requires collective effort. He emphasized that many Nigerian products are of high quality, and supporting them will help strengthen the economy.
Hadiza Kashiat from the NEPC also highlighted the negative perception as the greatest obstacle to the acceptance of Nigerian-made goods. She pointed out that Nigerian products, such as lubricants, ginger, and sesame seeds, are highly sought after globally, often rebranded under foreign labels. Kashiat encouraged Nigerians to embrace locally produced goods, noting that, like China, Nigeria must prioritize its industries to achieve economic success.
Ibrahim Idris from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture also pointed out several challenges facing the Nigerian manufacturing sector, including high energy costs, foreign exchange instability, insufficient research funding in universities, and the production of substandard goods.
The meeting underscored the importance of Nigerians supporting local manufacturers and consuming locally made products to boost economic growth and development.
