The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have tasked the federal government with increasing support for indigenous manufacturers to enhance production of made-in-Nigeria goods.

Amb. Jean Bakole, UNIDO regional director for West and Central African regions, gave the advice on Tuesday in Lagos at a three-day Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition (MANEXPO) 2023.

Mr Bakole said Nigeria, as a leading economy in Africa, was expected to make steady progress through inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

He said to achieve this, support for local manufacturers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups involved in producing made-in-Nigeria goods was pertinent.

He, however, noted that the country, over the years, had been growing other countries’ economies through over-dependence on imported goods, especially those with local substitutes.

“Yet, Nigeria can easily experience a breakthrough in the quest for local content development if Nigerians will encourage and patronise made-in-Nigeria products.

“It is a well-known fact that the economy of any nation grows rapidly when locally made goods are promoted through patronage, first by its people, then through export,” he said.

He noted that the intervention of the federal government in developing local industries would boost economic growth and development.

He enumerated such benefits as an increase in the gross domestic product, employment generation, and a reduction in the cost of production.

“Therefore, the government should sustain the tempo through appropriate policies, provision of basic infrastructure and other key incentives and continued support to MAN,” he said.

Also speaking, Francis Meshioye, MAN president, said the exhibition was designed to showcase the strength of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and boost patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.

Mr Meshioye acknowledged the contributions of some government policies aimed at improving local content development and patronage, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.

He said there was a need for the new administration to focus on deepening domestic production and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.

“It is reassuring to note the government’s avowed commitment to curbing trade practices that have turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported products.

“It is important that the government take drastic action to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of its policy direction on made-in-Nigeria products in relevant MDAs,” he said.

The MAN president also expressed anticipation for a future in Nigeria where the government would designate a special day on the national calendar as “Proudly Nigeria Day”.

“Such initiatives would serve as catalysts to boost both the production and consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods,” he said.

(NAN)