MAN@50: Minister Says, Made-in-Nigeria products can only drive Nigeria’s prosperity

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment has  assured that Made-in-Nigeria products can only drive Nigeria’s prosperity if we can demonstrate that Nigerian products and services have preference, here, in their home market.

Adebayo made this statement while declaring the 2021 Made-In-Nigeria Exhibition Open, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Made-In-Nigeria Exhibition, (MANEXPO2021), adding that the exhibition is extremely dear to his heart as well as one of the most important parts of the MAN 50thAnniversary celebration.

The minister commended the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for championing this and promoting the entrepreneurs whose resilience is being showcased through their hard work and innovation.

Adebayo announced that he supervise the implementation committee overseeing Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, adding that the need to increase Nigerian production capacity, particularly in the secondary and tertiary phases of production is extremely important.

The minister said “This is paramount in ensuring competitiveness in our quest to robustly participate in the African market with Made-in-Nigeria products.

“The men and women showcasing their businesses today deserve to be commended. Entrepreneurship is a challenging undertaking everywhere in the world, but these champions have proven that they have the grit and determination to put in the work and develop strong brands, consumer goods and services. These brave business owners are pivotal to our collective progress as a nation.”

He also expressed his satisfaction on the quality of the packaging and presentation of some of the products on display, adding that Nigerian products packaging has improved significantly over the years and our products deserve to sit on the shelves of the best stores in the world.

The minister explained that he is working to create opportunities that will enable manufacturers to sign high volume supply contracts with global retailers and wholesalers so that the world can access quality Nigerian goods, like some of those seen today.

“As the Minister responsible for driving value into our economy via this route, I assure you of my support. The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), an agency under my Ministry, is also here to provide you with market access through its programs and initiatives.

“Our Export Development Fund for example has provided exporters with financial assistance to cover a wide range of activities from training, to advertising and marketing in foreign markets to supporting MSMEs with pre-shipment quarantine issues. NEPC is a vital strategic partner for all of the companies here today and I entreat you to make use of their services.”

He affirmed that Nigerians or anyone that at least has some affinity with Nigeria are both intelligent and resourceful and wondered why we cannot utilize our resources to be the biggest manufacturing hub in not just Africa but the world.

“This may sound like a lofty ambition but as our population grows and technology develops it is within our reach,” he pointed out.

He assured of the support of his Ministry to remain committed to collaborating with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to not only ensure that this exhibition become an annual event but also to progress engagement on other issues that support the development and competitiveness of the Nigerian entrepreneur.