Nigerian manufacturers, under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), have called on the federal government to set aside a special day on the national calendar as “Proudly Nigeria Day” to serve as a boost to the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods.
The President of the association, Otunba Francis Meshioye, made this call on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 3-day Made-in-Nigeria exhibition to kickstart the association’s 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
While stressing the need for every Nigerian to patronise locally produced goods, Otunba Meshioye stated that the idea of the exhibition stemmed from the need by the association to showcase the strength of manufacturing in Nigeria and canvass for the patronage of locally produced items.
He argued that for the nation’s manufacturing to thrive, as well as contribute its quota to the nation’s economic development, it has become imperative for Nigerians to patronise goods produced by local manufacturers.
The MAN boss added that in marking the proposed special day, the government should encourage all individuals and government ministries, departments, and agencies to dress in Made-in-Nigeria outfits and prioritise the purchase of products that are locally made.
Such initiatives, he added, would serve as catalysts to boost both the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods and also provide a crucial milestone in the path towards a virile and competitive manufacturing sector.
“I am convinced that massive support for the growth of domestic production through the patronage of locally made goods will greatly improve capacity utilisation, job creation, and manufacturing contribution to gross domestic product.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria remains focused and committed to its advocacy for a conducive business environment and specific targeted policies that will support the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products,” he stated.
While reaffirming the association’s commitment to the promotion of high-quality and competitive Made-in-Nigeria products, Otunba Meshioye charged members with the need to continually innovate and upgrade their manufacturing processes and product standards to foster increased competitiveness.
In his remarks, the Special Guest, UNIDO Representative to ECOWAS and Regional Director, Nigeria Regional Office Hub, His Excellency, Ambassador Jean Bakole, stated that Nigeria can easily experience a breakthrough in the quest for local content development and a stable, strong, and advanced economy if Nigerians would encourage the production of Made-in-Nigeria products and patronize them.
While commending the association for coming up with the exhibition, Ambassador Bakole noted that the economy of any nation can only grow rapidly when locally made goods are promoted through patronage, first by its people and then through export.
“Over-dependence on the importation of goods weakens the currency, creates unemployment, and consistently reduces the GDP.
On the other hand, local production will promote gainful employment for Nigerians, reduce dependence on the consumption of foreign products, and reduce poverty,” the ambassador added.
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