Made in Nigeria Project Office, Abuja

 Nigeria's Push for Economic Growth: Promoting Made-in-Nigeria Goods and Services

The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to promoting and patronizing homegrown products and services as part of a broader strategy to achieve sustainable economic development. This call was emphasized at the recent Regional and State Coordinators Conference for the Made-in-Nigeria initiative, which took place in Abuja. The event marked a significant step in the country’s journey toward economic growth, with government officials and industry stakeholders gathering to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at boosting Nigeria’s domestic economy.

Strengthening Collective Efforts for National Growth

The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and capacity building in advancing the Made-in-Nigeria agenda. Represented by Musiliu Oladunjoye, the Director of the International Organisation Department, Danjuma emphasized that the conference was a critical part of the country’s economic development, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“This Conference is a crucial step in our journey toward economic growth and development, which is in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the administration,” Danjuma stated. His remarks highlighted the strategic role that collaboration and innovation would play in driving the success of the Made-in-Nigeria project.

A Movement, Not Just a Slogan

George Nwabueze, the National Coordinator of the Made-in-Nigeria Project, further emphasized that the initiative is more than just a slogan—it is a movement with the potential to transform Nigeria’s economic future. He called on all Nigerians to take pride in supporting locally-made goods and services, which are crafted by the nation’s entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators.

“This initiative is a celebration of Nigerian creativity, resilience, and the vast potential that lies within our borders,” Nwabueze said. He urged Nigerians to see the value in supporting products that are homegrown, not only for their quality but also for the opportunities they create within the country. “The world is watching, and the future is ours to build a greater Nigeria,” he added.

Overcoming Cultural Preferences for Foreign Products

Barrister Promise Ogadinma Mbani, the Eastern Coordinator of the Made-in-Nigeria Project, pointed out one of the significant challenges facing the initiative: the cultural preference for foreign products. Many Nigerians still view foreign goods as superior, making it difficult for locally-made products to gain traction in the market.

Mbani called for a concerted effort to promote the registration, standardization, and global visibility of Made-in-Nigeria goods. He emphasized that increasing awareness, education, and sensitization efforts among Nigerians would be key to improving the patronage of local products, both domestically and internationally.

The Path Forward: Building a Stronger National Network

The event also featured the inauguration and presentation of new State Coordinators for the Made-in-Nigeria initiative. These coordinators will play a crucial role in facilitating the project at the state and local government levels.

The guidelines for setting up State and Local Government Coordinators were shared, outlining the key steps for success. The process begins with nominating local government coordinators, who will then meet with state government officials to request formal recognition, logistical support, and resources for promoting Made-in-Nigeria products. Once approval is granted, the national office will provide seed funding to help set up state offices and organize local expos and economic forums.

A Shared Vision for Nigeria's Future

The Made-in-Nigeria initiative has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape by focusing on homegrown talent, products, and services. By creating a culture of local patronage, Nigerians can contribute to national prosperity while showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of their fellow citizens.

As the nation moves forward, the success of this movement depends on the collective effort of the government, entrepreneurs, and citizens alike. With the world closely watching Nigeria’s economic transformation, the future is bright, and the time to act is now.

The next meeting for the initiative will take place after 100 days, where further steps will be outlined to continue this crucial journey towards a self-sustaining and economically prosperous Nigeria.