National Stakeholders Forum Held in Lafia, Nasarawa State by the Made in Nigeria Project Office

The National Stakeholders Forum, organized by the Made in Nigeria Project Office, was successfully held in Lafia from the 11th to the 12th of May, 2026, bringing together critical stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on national development, industrialization, local production, economic growth, and strategic collaboration for the advancement of the Made in Nigeria agenda.

The high-level forum served as a platform for engagement, policy dialogue, institutional collaboration, and strategic planning aimed at strengthening the implementation of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project across Nigeria.

The event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, development experts, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, youth representatives, women's groups, investors, coordinators, members of the executive council, and stakeholders from various sectors of the economy.

Strengthening the Made in Nigeria Vision

The National Stakeholders Forum reaffirmed the commitment of the Made in Nigeria Project Office toward transforming Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a production-based and industrialized nation. Discussions at the forum focused on strategies to promote local manufacturing, revive moribund industries, support indigenous businesses, create jobs, and encourage Nigerians to patronize locally made products and services.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of economic self-reliance, national branding, industrial development, and sustainable productivity as key drivers of national prosperity.

The forum also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, private sector institutions, development agencies, and local communities in advancing the objectives of the project.

Stakeholder Engagement on National Development

A major aspect of the gathering was the extensive stakeholder engagement sessions designed to encourage inclusive participation in national economic development initiatives. Participants discussed practical approaches to improving local production capacity, enhancing competitiveness, promoting innovation, and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises across the country.

Attention was also given to strategic sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, water development, transportation, health, housing, mining, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.

Stakeholders noted that strengthening these sectors would contribute significantly to employment generation, poverty reduction, food security, and industrial growth in Nigeria.

Inauguration of State Coordinators and Executive Council Members

One of the highlights of the forum was the inauguration of state coordinators and executive council members of the Made in Nigeria Project Office. The inauguration marked another important step toward expanding the operational structure of the project at the grassroots and state levels.

The newly inaugurated officials were charged with the responsibility of promoting the objectives of the initiative within their respective states through advocacy, stakeholder mobilization, investment promotion, industrial support, and community engagement.

The induction and oath-taking ceremony further demonstrated the commitment of the organization toward accountability, professionalism, patriotism, and service delivery.

Promoting Industrialization and Local Manufacturing

During the forum, speakers stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize industrialization and local manufacturing as part of long-term economic transformation strategies. Participants encouraged stronger support for indigenous industries, local content development, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship growth.

The forum also advocated for policies that support local manufacturers, improve infrastructure, encourage investment, and reduce dependence on imported goods.

According to stakeholders, promoting Nigerian-made products remains essential for preserving foreign exchange, strengthening the naira, creating employment opportunities, and boosting national productivity.

Youth and Women Inclusion

Youth and women's participation featured prominently during the stakeholder sessions. Speakers emphasized the importance of empowering young people and women through entrepreneurship, vocational training, skills acquisition, innovation support, and access to economic opportunities.

The Made in Nigeria Project Office reiterated its commitment to creating inclusive platforms that encourage active participation of youths and women in manufacturing, trade, agriculture, technology, and enterprise development.

Participants noted that inclusive economic participation is necessary for sustainable national development and social stability.

Collaboration for National Economic Growth

The National Stakeholders Forum also encouraged partnerships between public institutions, private sector organizations, development agencies, financial institutions, and international investors. Stakeholders agreed that collaboration remains essential for driving industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and economic competitiveness.

The forum provided opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of strategic alliances that will support future projects and investments under the Made in Nigeria framework.

Participants further called for continuous engagement and periodic stakeholder meetings to sustain momentum and monitor implementation progress.

Lafia Forum as a Milestone for National Development

The successful hosting of the National Stakeholders Forum in Lafia represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy through local production, industrialization, and national branding.

The forum strengthened institutional coordination, expanded stakeholder participation, and reinforced the national commitment toward economic transformation through the Made in Nigeria initiative.

As the Made in Nigeria Project Office continues to expand its operations across states and sectors, the resolutions and collaborations established during the Lafia forum are expected to contribute greatly to the achievement of a more productive, self-reliant, and economically prosperous Nigeria.