A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL BRANDS DEVELOPMENT AND MADE-IN-NIGERIA PROMOTION COMMISSION AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA

A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL BRANDS DEVELOPMENT AND MADE-IN-NIGERIA PROMOTION COMMISSION AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA

 

PREAMBLE

BE IT ENACTED by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as follows:

Short Title: This Act may be cited as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission Act, 2025.

Commencement: This Act shall come into operation on such date as the Minister may, by notification in the Federal Gazette, appoint.

Purpose: The purpose of this Act is to establish a statutory body tasked with promoting the production, visibility, consumption, and branding of Nigerian goods, services, and innovations; to strengthen local enterprises and industrial competitiveness; and to create a sustainable national framework for the development, monitoring, and promotion of Made-in-Nigeria products. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE

PART I – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION

PART II – OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION

PART III – STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK

PART IV – GOVERNING BOARD

PART V – POWERS OF THE COMMISSION

PART VI – FUNDING AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

PART VII – REPORTING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION

PART VIII – REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT FRAMEWORK

PART IX – COLLABORATION & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

PART X – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

  

PART I

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION

1. Establishment of the Commission
   There is hereby established a body to be known as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”).
2. Legal Status of the Commission
   (1) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.
   (2) The Commission shall have the capacity to sue and be sued in its corporate name and to acquire, hold, and dispose of property for the purpose of carrying out its functions under this Act.
3. Headquarters and Offices
   (1) The Headquarters of the Commission shall be located in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
   (2) The Commission may establish such zonal and state offices as may be necessary to facilitate the achievement of its objectives and functions across the Federation.
4. Governing Board of the Commission
   (1) There shall be a Governing Board for the Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”) responsible for the general oversight of the Commission.
   (2) The Board shall provide strategic direction, approve budgets, and monitor the performance of the Commission.
   (3) The Board shall be composed of the following members:
5. A Chairman, appointed by the President;
6. The Director-General/CEO of the Commission;
7. Two representatives of the Federal Ministries relevant to Industry, Trade, and Investment;
8. One representative of State Governments;
9. Three representatives of the private sector, including manufacturers, exporters, and SMEs;
10. Two representatives of development partners or research institutions;
11. The Secretary to the Board, who shall be the Director of Administration of the Commission.
12. Tenure of Board Members
    Members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years, renewable for a single additional term, and may be removed for reasons specified in this Act.
13. Functions of the Board
    The Board shall:
    (a) Provide policy direction and oversight for the Commission;
    (b) Approve annual plans and budgets;
    (c) Ensure compliance with financial and operational regulations;
    (d) Monitor the implementation of national branding programs;
    (e) Advise the Commission on strategic partnerships, investments, and industrial development initiatives.

PART II

OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION

7. Objectives of the Commission

The objectives of the Commission shall be to:

(a) Promote, develop, and enhance the visibility, consumption, and competitiveness of Nigerian goods, services, and brands both locally and internationally;

(b) Encourage industrialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation through the support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale industries;

(c) Strengthen national branding policies and frameworks to ensure standardization, quality assurance, and consumer confidence in Nigerian products;

(d) Facilitate domestic and foreign investments into Nigerian production and manufacturing sectors;

(e) Support the diversification of the national economy through strategic industrial and manufacturing interventions;

(f) Build capacity for production, marketing, and export of Made-in-Nigeria goods;

(g) Promote research, innovation, and development in product design, packaging, and branding;

(h) Foster public-private partnerships and collaborations for sustainable industrial growth; and

(i) Ensure alignment with national and state economic development policies and the Nigeria First Policy.

8. Functions of the Commission

In furtherance of the objectives specified under section 7, the Commission shall have the following functions:

(a) Formulate, implement, and monitor policies, programs, and initiatives for national brand development and Made-in-Nigeria promotion;

(b) Develop and maintain a National Product Labeling and Certification System to ensure authenticity, quality, and traceability of Nigerian products;

(c) Conduct research and market studies to identify industrial opportunities, supply gaps, and growth areas for local products;

(d) Organize national and international exhibitions, trade fairs, investment forums, and product showcase events;

(e) Support local manufacturers through technical assistance, capacity building, and access to finance;

(f) Facilitate collaborations with government ministries, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society to advance the objectives of the Commission;

(g) Establish and manage clusters, incubation centers, and innovation hubs for SMEs, agro-industries, and manufacturing enterprises;

(h) Promote awareness campaigns to encourage domestic consumption of Made-in-Nigeria products;

(i) Monitor compliance with branding and quality standards, and take necessary action against counterfeit or substandard products;

(j) Mobilize resources, both local and international, to fund national branding and industrial promotion initiatives; and

(k) Perform any other functions necessary for the realization of the objectives of this Act.

PART III

STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK

9. Departments and Directorates

(1) The Commission shall have the following departments and directorates to facilitate the execution of its functions:

(a) Branding and Marketing Directorate – Responsible for national brand promotion, marketing campaigns, consumer awareness, and media engagement;

(b) National Product Development Directorate – Responsible for product innovation, industrial clustering, product design, and standardization initiatives;

(c) Investment and Public-Private Partnership Directorate – Responsible for mobilizing investment, facilitating partnerships, and linking local manufacturers with financiers and investors;

(d) Research, Innovation and Quality Assurance Directorate – Responsible for conducting market research, product quality assessment, and technical evaluations;

(e) SME and Value-Chain Support Directorate – Responsible for supporting SMEs, facilitating supply chain linkages, capacity building, and enterprise development;

(f) Administration and Finance Department – Responsible for human resources, financial management, procurement, logistics, and general administration of the Commission.

(2) The Commission may establish such other departments or units as may be necessary for effective implementation of its objectives.

10. State and Regional Offices

(1) The Commission shall establish offices in each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to facilitate coordination with state governments and local stakeholders.

(2) Each State or Regional Office shall:

(a) Coordinate the implementation of national branding and Made-in-Nigeria initiatives at the state level;

(b) Monitor the performance of local manufacturers and SMEs;

(c) Facilitate state-specific trade fairs, exhibitions, and industrial engagement programs;

(d) Collect and report data on local production, market penetration, and impact; and

(e) Serve as liaison between the National Office and local industries, cooperatives, and development partners.

11. Technical Working Groups and Advisory Committees

(1) The Commission may establish Technical Working Groups, Advisory Committees, and Special Councils to provide expertise in areas such as:

(a) Product Certification and Standardization;

(b) Market Research and Data Analytics;

(c) Investment Facilitation and PPP Strategy;

(d) Industrial Policy Implementation; and

(e) Export and Trade Development.

(2) Members of such groups or committees shall be appointed by the Board, may include experts from relevant sectors, and shall serve for such terms as determined by the Board.

12. Management and Staff

(1) The day-to-day management of the Commission shall be vested in a Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Board.

(2) The Commission shall employ such other staff as may be necessary for the discharge of its functions, in accordance with the Public Service Rules and applicable regulations.

(3) The Director-General/CEO shall report to the Board and shall be responsible for:

(a) Implementing the policies and directives of the Board;

(b) Supervising the departments, directorates, and units of the Commission;

(c) Preparing annual reports and budget proposals for submission to the Board; and

(d) Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, standards, and regulations.

PART IV

GOVERNING BOARD

13. Establishment of the Governing Board

(1) There shall be established for the Commission a Governing Board (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”) to provide strategic oversight and policy direction for the Commission.

(2) The Board shall be the highest decision-making authority of the Commission in all matters relating to governance, policy, and strategic planning.

14. Composition of the Board

The Board shall comprise the following members:

(a) A Chairman, appointed by the President;

(b) The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission;

(c) Two representatives of the Federal Ministries relevant to Industry, Trade, Investment, and Economic Development;

(d) One representative of the State Governments, designated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum;

(e) Three representatives of the private sector, including manufacturers, exporters, and SMEs;

(f) Two representatives from development partners, research institutions, or academia; and

(g) The Secretary to the Board, who shall be the Director of Administration of the Commission and shall serve as the Board Secretary.

15. Tenure of Board Members

(1) Members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years, renewable for a single additional term.

(2) A member may be removed from office for:

(a) Misconduct or breach of any provision of this Act;

(b) Inability to perform the functions of the office; or

(c) Conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud.

16. Functions of the Board

The Board shall:

(a) Provide strategic guidance and policy direction for the Commission;

(b) Approve annual work plans, budgets, and development programs;

(c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Commission;

(d) Ensure financial accountability and compliance with public sector regulations;

(e) Approve the appointment of key management staff, including directors of the Commission;

(f) Promote partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders; and

(g) Advise the Commission on investment, branding, and industrial development initiatives.

17. Meetings of the Board

(1) The Board shall meet at least four (4) times in a year, and at such other times as may be necessary.

(2) Quorum: The quorum for a meeting shall be two-thirds of the members of the Board, including the Chairman or Deputy Chairman.

(3) Decisions of the Board shall be taken by consensus or, where consensus is not possible, by a majority of votes of the members present.

(4) The Board may invite any person with special expertise to attend its meetings, but such a person shall not have the right to vote.

18. Remuneration of Board Members

Members of the Board shall be paid such allowances, fees, and other benefits as the President may approve on the recommendation of the Federal Government. 

PART V

POWERS OF THE COMMISSION

19. Powers of the Commission

For the purpose of performing its functions and achieving the objectives under this Act, the Commission shall have the following powers:

(a) Regulatory Powers – To set standards, enforce labeling and quality requirements, and ensure compliance for products marketed as Made-in-Nigeria;

(b) Advisory Powers – To advise the Federal Government, State Governments, and relevant agencies on policies and strategies for national brand development, industrialization, and promotion of local enterprises;

(c) Investment Facilitation Powers – To mobilize, receive, and manage resources from the Federal Government, private sector, and development partners for industrial and branding initiatives;

(d) Partnership and Collaboration Powers – To enter into agreements, memoranda of understanding, or partnerships with local and international stakeholders, development partners, or private sector entities to promote Nigerian products;

(e) Operational Powers – To establish offices, clusters, innovation hubs, and research centers across the country for the coordination and promotion of Made-in-Nigeria initiatives;

(f) Monitoring and Enforcement Powers – To conduct inspections, audits, and investigations, and to take corrective or enforcement measures against counterfeit, substandard, or unregistered products;

(g) Legal Powers – To institute legal proceedings, enforce contracts, and represent the Commission in court or other judicial or quasi-judicial forums;

(h) Procurement and Contracting Powers – To procure goods, services, and works, and enter into contracts in accordance with applicable public procurement laws;

(i) Human Resource Powers – To recruit, appoint, manage, and discipline staff in accordance with the provisions of this Act and applicable civil service regulations;

(j) Research and Development Powers – To commission or conduct research, studies, surveys, and technical assessments necessary for the development, standardization, and promotion of local products;

(k) Public Awareness Powers – To organize exhibitions, trade fairs, campaigns, forums, workshops, and other awareness initiatives to promote Made-in-Nigeria products and industrial growth; and

(l) Any Other Powers – To do such other acts as may be necessary or expedient for the achievement of the objectives of this Act. 

PART VI

FUNDING, ACCOUNTS, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

20. Sources of Funding

The Commission shall be financed from the following sources:

(a) Such sums as may be appropriated by the National Assembly for the purposes of the Commission;

(b) Grants, donations, gifts, and contributions from local or international development partners, agencies, and stakeholders;

(c) Fees, charges, and levies collected for services rendered by the Commission;

(d) Proceeds from exhibitions, trade fairs, licensing, certification, and other commercial activities of the Commission; and

(e) Any other sources of revenue approved by the Board and in accordance with the law.

21. Financial Year

The financial year of the Commission shall be from 1st January to 31st December of each year.

22. Accounts and Audit

(1) The Commission shall keep proper accounts of its income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws.

(2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited annually by the Auditor-General of the Federation or an auditor appointed by the Auditor-General.

(3) The Commission shall submit its audited accounts, together with the auditor’s report, to the Board and the Minister responsible for Industry, Trade, and Investment within six (6) months after the end of each financial year.

23. Annual Budget

(1) The Commission shall prepare an annual budget showing the estimated revenue and expenditure for approval by the Board and submission to the Minister.

(2) The Board shall ensure that the budget is implemented in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other applicable financial regulations.

24. Financial Control

(1) The Board shall put in place financial management systems to ensure accountability, transparency, and proper use of funds.

(2) The Director-General/CEO shall be responsible for day-to-day financial management, subject to the oversight of the Board.

(3) The Commission shall not incur any expenditure outside the approved budget without prior authorization from the Board.

PART VII

REPORTING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION

25. Reporting Obligations

(1) The Commission shall submit to the President, through the Minister responsible for Industry, Trade, and Investment, an annual report on its activities, performance, and achievements.

(2) The annual report shall include:

(a) Progress on implementation of national brand development initiatives;

(b) Status of Made-in-Nigeria product promotion and industrial growth;

(c) Financial statements, audited accounts, and budget utilization;

(d) Partnerships, collaborations, and public-private sector engagements; and

(e) Recommendations for policy or strategic adjustments.

(3) The Commission shall also submit reports to the National Assembly or any oversight committees as may be required under law.

26. Monitoring and Evaluation

(1) The Commission shall establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit to assess performance, impact, and effectiveness of its programs.

(2) The M&E Unit shall be responsible for:

(a) Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for all programs and projects;

(b) Conducting regular site visits, inspections, and field assessments;

(c) Evaluating the social, economic, and industrial impact of interventions;

(d) Producing quarterly, biannual, and annual performance reports; and

(e) Providing recommendations for improvement, sustainability, and scalability.

(3) The Commission shall ensure that its monitoring and evaluation activities align with national development priorities and the Nigeria First Policy.

27. Independent Reviews and Audits

(1) The Commission may engage independent consultants or third-party agencies to conduct impact assessments, technical audits, and program evaluations.

(2) The results of such independent evaluations shall be submitted to the Board, Minister, and other relevant stakeholders to guide decision-making and policy adjustments.

PART VIII

REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT FRAMEWORK

28. Regulatory Oversight

(1) The Commission shall serve as the primary regulatory authority for the certification, branding, labeling, and promotion of Made-in-Nigeria products.

(2) The Commission shall establish and maintain standards and guidelines for products, services, and brands, ensuring compliance with national and international quality benchmarks.

(3) The Commission may, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), develop codes of practice, technical regulations, and compliance procedures for producers, manufacturers, and service providers.

29. Licensing and Certification

(1) No product or service shall be marketed as “Made-in-Nigeria” without prior certification, registration, and approval by the Commission.

(2) The Commission shall issue licenses, certificates, or approval letters to qualified manufacturers, enterprises, and SMEs, subject to periodic review and renewal.

30. Enforcement Powers

(1) The Commission shall have powers to:

(a) Conduct inspections, audits, and investigations of production facilities, warehouses, and marketplaces;

(b) Seize, confiscate, or detain counterfeit, substandard, or unregistered products;

(c) Suspend or revoke licenses or certifications where violations are identified; and

(d) Refer violations for prosecution under applicable laws.

(2) The Commission may issue administrative sanctions, including fines, penalties, or corrective notices, to ensure compliance with established standards.

31. Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies

(1) The Commission shall work in conjunction with:

(a) The Nigeria Customs Service to prevent the importation of substandard or counterfeit products;

(b) The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enforce quality and safety requirements;

(c) The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for consumer rights protection; and

(d) Other relevant law enforcement agencies as necessary.

(2) The Commission may enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with law enforcement agencies to streamline monitoring, enforcement, and compliance processes.

32. Public Awareness and Consumer Protection

(1) The Commission shall conduct public awareness campaigns to:

(a) Educate consumers on the value of Made-in-Nigeria products;

(b) Encourage responsible purchasing and ethical consumption; and

(c) Report cases of counterfeit or substandard products.

(2) Consumers shall be empowered to report violations or complaints to the Commission through designated channels, including digital platforms, hotlines, and complaint centers.

33. Offences and Penalties

(1) Any person who:

(a) Markets, labels, or advertises goods as Made-in-Nigeria without proper certification;

(b) Produces or distributes substandard or counterfeit products; or

(c) Fails to comply with directives or corrective actions issued by the Commission,

shall be liable to fines, confiscation of goods, suspension of operations, or imprisonment, as prescribed in the regulations issued under this Act.

(2) The Board shall, with approval of the Minister, prescribe detailed enforcement regulations, fines, and penalties for specific violations.

PART IX

COLLABORATION & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

34. Multi-Sectoral Collaboration

(1) The Commission shall collaborate with relevant Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to achieve its mandate, particularly in areas relating to industrialization, trade, investment, and quality assurance.

(2) The Commission shall engage with State Governments, local government councils, traditional institutions, and community leaders to promote local production, support SMEs, and strengthen industrial clusters.

(3) The Commission may enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or agreements with other public sector entities to coordinate implementation of national branding, industrialization, and economic development programs.

35. Engagement with Private Sector and Industry Associations

(1) The Commission shall actively collaborate with manufacturers, exporters, SMEs, cooperatives, trade associations, and chambers of commerce to:

(a) Facilitate market access and product visibility;

(b) Provide technical support, capacity building, and innovation incentives;

(c) Promote adherence to product quality standards and certification; and

(d) Foster domestic and international investment in local enterprises.

36. Collaboration with Development Partners and International Agencies

(1) The Commission may partner with development partners, donor agencies, and international organizations to secure technical assistance, capacity development, funding, and global market access opportunities.

(2) Engagement with international partners shall prioritize knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and exposure to best practices in industrialization, branding, and export promotion.

37. Public Engagement and Civil Society Participation

(1) The Commission shall promote transparency and accountability through regular public consultations, forums, workshops, and stakeholder dialogues.

(2) Civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and consumer advocacy groups shall be invited to contribute to policy development, monitoring, and awareness campaigns.

(3) Feedback from stakeholders shall inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of Commission programs and interventions.

38. National and International Trade Events

(1) The Commission shall organize or participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, expos, and investment forums to showcase Made-in-Nigeria products, promote industrial clusters, and attract investors.

(2) Participation shall include coordinated support for SMEs, manufacturers, and innovative enterprises to increase visibility and market reach.

This section ensures the Bill emphasizes collaborative governance and partnerships as key to the Commission’s success.

PART X

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

39. Regulations

(1) The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, make regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

(2) Regulations made under this section may provide for:

(a) Detailed procedures for licensing, certification, and registration of products and enterprises;

(b) Standards for labeling, branding, and quality assurance;

(c) Administrative processes, reporting, and operational guidelines; and

(d) Any other matters incidental or necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act.

40. Dispute Resolution

(1) The Commission shall establish mechanisms for amicable resolution of disputes arising from licensing, certification, or enforcement activities.

(2) Any dispute that cannot be resolved administratively shall be referred to the courts of competent jurisdiction in accordance with Nigerian law.

41. Offences and Penalties

(1) Any person who contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations made thereunder commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to:

(a) Payment of fines as prescribed by the Commission;

(b) Confiscation or destruction of unapproved or counterfeit products; or

(c) Imprisonment, where applicable, under the relevant Nigerian laws.

(2) In addition to penalties, the Commission may issue cease and desist orders, warnings, or suspension notices to ensure compliance.

42. Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Board” means the Governing Board of the Commission;

(b) “Commission” means the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission established under this Act;

(c) “Made-in-Nigeria product” means a product or service certified and approved by the Commission as being manufactured, produced, or substantially transformed in Nigeria;

(d) “Minister” means the Minister charged with responsibility for Industry, Trade, and Investment;

(e) “SME” means Small and Medium Enterprise as defined by relevant national policy; and

(f) Any other terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the regulations or as commonly used in industrial and commercial practice.

43. Repeal and Savings

(1) Any enactments, regulations, or instruments inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

(2) All actions, licenses, agreements, or approvals granted under repealed provisions shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with this Act, continue in force until amended or revoked by the Commission.

44. Commencement

This Act shall come into force on the date of its assent by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.