The ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ drive is a commitment to strengthening local production and promoting Nigerian-made goods
Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local production and promoting Nigerian-made goods as a cornerstone of national economic renewal.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Made-in-Naija Trade Exhibition organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said Nigeria’s global relevance would ultimately be defined by what it creates.
He noted that Nigeria’s future rests on the ingenuity, creativity and enterprise of its people.
“There is nothing that advertises the pride of a nation as much as the craft and conceptions of its people,” Shettima said. “They nourish every sector and give life to dreams yet to be imagined.”
Describing the exhibition as more than a trade showcase, the vice president said it signalled the government’s readiness to elevate Nigerian brands and partner with creators to transform the economy.
Shettima stressed that the country’s real wealth lies not in raw resources but in the capacity of Nigerians to turn those resources into globally competitive products. He added that while Nigerian excellence is already evident in agriculture, architecture, textiles, technology, and the creative industry, local patronage remains essential.
“It is not enough for us to produce. We must patronize what we produce,” he said, noting that buying local strengthens the naira, supports jobs, and reduces dependence on global supply chains.
He emphasised that “made-in-Nigeria” must become a global badge of quality and competitiveness, adding that President Bola Tinubu views local producers as essential partners in rebuilding the economy.
Shettima outlined ongoing reforms aimed at supporting local manufacturing—special economic zones, improved access to finance, port reforms, and globally recognised certification systems.
“With the world’s highest quality, we want the answer to be Nigeria,” he said.
The vice president praised the exhibition as an expression of confidence in Nigerian innovation and a declaration that Nigeria will define its own global identity.
Nigeria Must Shift From Import Dependence to Domestic Production
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for policies that prioritise Nigerian-made goods, warning that the country’s economic future depends on local production, value addition, and reduced reliance on imports.
He described the exhibition as timely, stressing the need for Nigeria to position its products to compete under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We must position Nigerian goods as competitive, dependable, and visible,” he said.
Abbas highlighted the significance of Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria first policy’, which mandates government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise locally manufactured goods in public procurement. He said full compliance is expected and noted that the exhibition itself demonstrates the policy in action.
Citing lessons from global manufacturing giants like China, the Speaker said Nigeria must embrace value addition and domestic processing to achieve economic competitiveness.
“Strengthening local production is not just a tactic for survival. It is a duty we owe to the present and future generations,” Abbas said.
He added that the National Assembly has passed several laws to support industrial growth and the ease of doing business but cautioned that increased output must not compromise quality.
Nigeria on the Brink of an Industrial Rebirth
Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Rep. Ahmed Munir, said Nigeria stands on the threshold of an industrial rebirth driven by local manufacturing, innovation, and supportive legislation.
He said the shift to local content could create over five million jobs by 2030 and save up to $20 billion annually in foreign exchange currently spent on key imports.
“This transition is not just economic growth; it is the restoration of the dignity of labour,” Rep. Munir said.
He noted that the expansion of the non-oil sector has become a policy pillar, with Nigerian-made products projected to contribute an additional 5 percent to GDP within five years.
Munir highlighted ongoing legislative actions—including the domestication of the AfCFTA agreement, the establishment of a national Weights and Measures Centre, and strengthened regulatory frameworks—to boost industrial competitiveness and position Nigerian goods for global markets.
“Our vision extends beyond our borders,” he said. “Nigerian products must be ready to compete not just in Lagos or Abuja, but in London, Beijing, and New York.”
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to building a resilient economic foundation “brick by Nigerian-made brick,” backed by policies that attract investment and sustain long-term growth.
