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By Madu Obi
Awka- The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, has accused Nigerians who prefer foreign made goods to the locally manufactured ones of having perception problem.
NASENI was set up in 1992 by the federal government to drive local manufacturing and there are 12 establishments under it, which research and manufacture various products.
At the meeting, which focussed on made in Nigeria products, key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, local manufacturers and technology innovators, discussed strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and boosting patronage of locally made products.
Dr Oluwaseyi Ogugbenro of the Electronics Development Institute, an arm of NASENI, observed that despite the fact that the agency has taken the lead in encouraging local manufacturing, many Nigerians still regard locally manufactured products as inferior.
According to Ogugbenro, it has been proved that Nigerian products are more durable and better than the foreign goods.
He said: "NASENI was set up to bridge the technology gap. It has 12 development institutes in various parts of the country and has established industrial hubs to promote local manufacturing.
Nigerian manufacturers have the capacity to produce top notch products and if adequately patronized, will drive and grow the economy of the country.
NASENI has, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing local manufacturing and driving innovation in Nigeria’s industrial sector. As a leading Federal Government agency focused on Research and Development (R&D), NASENI continues to implement solutions that enhance economic growth through science and technology.
While we encourage everyone to patronize made-in-Nigeria products, manufacturers must also ensure that their products meet top-quality standards. We all share the responsibility of promoting locally made goods with passion, as this is key to revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.”
He said that NASENI is committed to Research and Development that drives solutions to national challenges, creates wealth, generates business opportunities, and supports job creation.
In his speech, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, highlighted efforts taken by the state government to improve industrial growth through enhanced infrastructure, investment-friendly policies, and access to financing for local businesses.
“We are working tirelessly to address power supply issues in Anambra State, and we believe that Anambra can set a national example in power production, energy diversity, cost efficiency, and reliability. Our goal is to produce and supply power to industries at significantly lower rate than what is currently available.
He said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has already set machinery in motion to establish power regulatory agency in the state, adding that the bill has passed second reading in the state House of Assembly.
Our expectation is to produce power and supply to industries as the present high cost has forced many industries to close down", Udechukwu said.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, advocated for a law mandating public officers to use only Made-in-Nigeria goods, including cars, office equipment, and other essential items.
He stressed that such a policy would not only boost local industries, but would also strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation.
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