The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that its commitment to promoting local content development remains a strategic cornerstone for revitalizing our struggling economy.
It stated further that is important that government takes immediate action to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of adherence to government initiatives aimed at promoting the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products among all ministries, departments and agencies of government. This it said should also be cascaded to sub-nationals, including states and local governments.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3 days made- in- Nigeria exhibition, at the 51st annual general meeting (AGM) of the association in Lagos on Tuesday, Otunba Francis Meshioye, President Manufacturers Association of Nigeria stated that the group envisions and anticipates a future in Nigeria where the government will designate a special day on the national calendar as “Proudly Nigeria Day”.
“On this special day, all individuals and government ministries, departments and agencies would be encouraged to dress in Made-in-Nigeria outfits and prioritize the purchase of products that are locally made, he said.
He said such initiatives would serve as catalysts to boost both the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods, 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 utilization, job creation and manufacturing contribution to gross domestic product.”
According to him, 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. Indeed, MAN’s commitment to promoting local content development remains a strategic cornerstone for revitalizing our struggling economy.
“MAN reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of high quality and competitive Made-in-Nigeria products. I therefore urge all our members to continue to innovate and upgrade their manufacturing processes and product standards to foster increased competitiveness. This is particularly crucial in light of the potential advantages that the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement presents for the manufacturing sector”.
“We have consistently organized this exhibition for the past five years with the primary purpose of showcasing the strength of manufacturing in Nigeria and canvassing for the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products. The MANEXPO2023 aligns with one of MAN’s core objectives, which is to actively encourage the widespread patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by consumers both within and outside the country.”
In encouraging the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products, we acknowledge the contribution of some government policies aimed at improving local content development and patronage, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.
“Undeniably, these are clear signals of the government’s appreciation of the need to promote local production and encourage patronage of locally manufactured products. We are expectant that the policy direction of the new administration will focus on deepening domestic production and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products, he said.