The Federal Government has been commended over the recent signing of an executive order compelling its agencies to buy Made-in-Nigeria goods and services, noting that the move will go a long way in boosting indigenous businesses and the local content drive in Nigeria.
The order, which was signed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo last week, dwells mostly on the preference for indigenous goods and services as well as the removal of bureaucracies which stall businesses.
The stipulated Executive Order, as detailed in a document presented by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, states that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government shall grant preference to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement processes for a number of items including food and beverages, motor vehicles, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, furniture and fittings, among others.
In his reaction, Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh hailed the FG’s move as a step in the right direction and a potential game-changer for many quality-minded local businesses in Nigeria.
“This announcement alone would have excited an army of 21st Century young Nigerian entrepreneurs who have been facing depression based on rejection of their certified products by government agencies and parastatals.
“It is a great development in our new Nigeria and I pray the Federal Government demonstrates the will to implement this to the letter in order to activate real and progressive development in the country.”
“As you know, this policy direction will potentially result in massive job creation for our youths.
“Granting preference to local manufacturers is a sure way of igniting the spirit of indigenous entrepreneurship. This is the standard the world over. Nigeria boasts a number of world-class companies whose products can compete favourably with those of their foreign counterparts. The problem has always been the right form of support from the government.”
Also, Engr Chris Uwaje, while commending the government, urged the government not to relent in its efforts to support the local software industry through sufficient policy frameworks like the one signed by Vice President Osinbajo. He added that this has been the view of many stakeholders in the industry over a long period of time.