National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office(MainPro)

Nigeria: A Preferred Destination for Foreign Direct Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa Nigeria, proclaimed as Africa’s largest economy in 2014 after recalculating its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is an attractive destination for investors. This recalculation included previously undervalued sectors such as its flourishing entertainment industry (Nollywood and Nigerian music) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). With a GDP exceeding $510 billion and an annual growth rate surpassing 6%, Nigeria offers vast investment opportunities. Nigeria’s appeal to investors goes beyond its diverse natural resources. The country boasts a vast pool of human capital, with highly trained professionals available at competitive costs. Investors can take advantage of numerous incentives across various sectors, making Nigeria a high-return investment market. Additionally, Nigeria’s investment environment is supported by robust financial institutions and government agencies, ensuring a conduciv...

Background of the Nigerian Economy Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP exceeding USD 500 billion. From 2005 to 2014, the economy experienced robust growth, averaging over 7% per annum. However, this growth slowed in 2015. The expansion was primarily driven by non-oil sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, and entertainment. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been strong, averaging USD 2 billion per quarter since 2013, with over 70% of this investment flowing into the non-oil sectors. Contrary to common perception, Nigeria’s economy is more diversified than it appears; the oil sector contributes only about 14% to GDP. Nevertheless, there is a pressing need to further diversify the economy, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources. Although oil has substantially contributed to Nigeria’s revenue since its discovery in 1956, especially after the 1970s price surge, the management of oil revenues has posed significant governance challenges...

The Nigerian People: Culture, Identity, and Diversity in the Heart of Africa When you hear the term “Nigerian,” what comes to mind? A football-loving, jollof rice-eating, energetic soul? That’s not far from the truth, but Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” is much more than these colorful stereotypes. With over 250 ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, and a history as rich as its soil, Nigeria is a country where diversity isn't just a buzzword, it’s the very fabric of its identity. In this article, we’re diving deep into what makes the Nigerian people so unique. From ethnic groups and languages to religion, culture, and social interaction, consider this your go-to guide to understanding the true spirit of Nigeria. 1. Who Are the Nigerian People? At its core, a Nigerian is someone who either holds citizenship in Nigeria or has ancestral ties to the land. But that definition barely scratches the surface. Being Nigerian is about belonging to a shared story, one that’s d...

A Brief History of Nigeria: From Ancient Kingdoms to Modern Powerhouse When you hear the name “Nigeria,” what comes to mind? Rich culture, vibrant people, Afrobeat, jollof rice? Maybe the title “Giant of Africa”? Nigeria is all of that and more. It’s the most populous Black nation on earth, a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. But beyond its modern-day fame, Nigeria has a deep, rich, and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. In this article, we’ll journey through the story of Nigeria, unpacking its ancient civilizations, the empires that once ruled its regions, its colonial past, and how it emerged as the powerful African force we know today. Where It All Began: What’s in a Name? Let’s start with the name. “Nigeria” was coined in the late 19th century by Flora Shaw, a British journalist. She later married Baron Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator. The name was inspired by the Niger River, one of Africa’s most important rivers, whic...

Nigeria Sets Sights on Japan with Bold ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ Showcase at World Expo 2025 Nigeria is stepping into the global spotlight with a game-changing economic mission to Japan this August, aiming to reposition its local industries for international growth while deepening ties with Asia’s third-largest economy. The Nigeria–Japan Economic Forum will hold in Osaka from August 24 to 26, 2025, alongside the prestigious World Expo 2025, with manufacturers, investors, and policy leaders from both nations expected in attendance. Organized by the Made in Nigeria Project Office, the three-day forum will highlight Nigeria’s commitment to industrial growth and economic diversification. Executive Director Buchi George described the initiative as a strategic move to reframe Nigeria’s global business narrative: “We’re not just attending the Expo, we’re rewriting the story of African enterprise by bringing our products, people, and potential directly to the Asian marketplace.” Trade figures from the...

5th Edition of the National Day Awards: A Global Celebration of Nigerian Excellence in Osaka, Japan When was the last time you truly celebrated what it means to be Nigerian? This October, the spotlight shifts to Osaka, Japan , where the 5th Edition of the National Day Awards promises to be more than just a ceremony, it’s a cultural, economic, and global showcase of what Nigeria represents. From October 1st to 6th, 2025 , the world will witness Nigeria in all her splendor, her heritage, achievements, aspirations, and innovations, all beautifully woven into an international event like no other. Think of it as Nigeria’s global red carpet moment , and yes, the world is watching. What Are the National Day Awards? The National Day Awards aren't just plaques, handshakes, or long speeches. They are Nigeria’s way of saying "thank you" to the citizens, brands, leaders, and institutions that have gone above and beyond to contribute to national growth and progress. Whether i...

Made in Nigeria Project Organization: Driving the Future of Local Manufacturing Let’s be real , if we want to build a strong and self-reliant Nigeria, we have to start from within. That means backing our own, producing locally, and proudly wearing the “Made in Nigeria” tag like a badge of honor. And that's exactly what the Made in Nigeria Project Organization is doing, building a bridge between our homegrown manufacturers and a thriving economy. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into who we are, what we stand for, why the “Made in Nigeria” trademark matters, and how this not-for-profit movement is shaping the future of Nigerian manufacturing and national pride. What Is the Made in Nigeria Project Organization? At its core, the Made in Nigeria Project Organization (often shortened to MAINPRO) is a non-profit initiative built to uplift Nigerian manufacturers. Think of it as a support system, one that unites businesses, provides a recognized and protected trademark, and ...

The Made in Nigeria Trademark: Powering Local Products, Empowering a Nation: Introduction What does it really mean to buy Nigerian? More than a hashtag or patriotic gesture, it's a commitment to local empowerment, sustainable growth, and economic transformation. At the heart of this movement lies the Made in Nigeria Trademark   a bold initiative uniting the country’s manufacturing community under a powerful symbol of trust, authenticity, and quality. Whether you're a consumer who wants to make better buying choices or a business looking to join a growing movement, this article will walk you through the inspiring story, mission, and impact of the Made in Nigeria Project. Why “Made in Nigeria” Matters More Than Ever Let’s be honest: we’ve all seen the allure of imported products, from fashion to electronics. But here's the reality, Nigeria's overdependence on imports has long stifled local industries, drained foreign reserves, and slowed job creation. The Made in N...

From Consumption to Production: How Nigeria Can Reclaim Its Economic Future Through Local Manufacturing and Brand Development Have you ever wondered why some countries thrive while others with abundant resources struggle? The answer often lies not in what they have, but in what they do with what they have. Nigeria, blessed with a massive population, rich natural resources, and strategic positioning, is still largely a consumption-driven economy. But that tide is changing. There’s a growing call to shift gears to move from a nation that imports nearly everything to one that builds, produces, and exports. And that’s what the Made in Nigeria Special Project is all about. Let’s break down what this national movement entails, why it matters, and how it could reshape Nigeria’s future. 1. From Buying to Building: Nigeria’s Economic Shift Picture this: instead of flooding markets with foreign-made goods, imagine walking into a store filled with quality, homegrown Nigerian products prou...