National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project State Coordinators Call for Stronger Federal Backing as Made in Nigeria Project Gains Momentum Nationwide

The National Council of State Coordinators of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration, strengthening institutional structures, and accelerating the implementation of the project across Nigeria.

At its virtual meeting held on Monday, July 20, 2026, via WhatsApp, coordinators from eleven states reviewed the project's progress, discussed emerging operational challenges, and unanimously resolved to seek stronger institutional engagement with the Federal Government to support the initiative's long-term sustainability.

Growing Nationwide Momentum

The meeting highlighted the remarkable expansion of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project across several states, despite the absence of formal letters of appointment from the National Secretariat.

State Coordinators noted that the project has continued to attract significant support from state governments and stakeholders through local initiatives and strategic partnerships.

Several states presented notable achievements:

• Nasarawa State has successfully domesticated the project, formally inaugurated its state coordinators, appointed local government coordinators, and commenced multiple implementation activities.

• Sokoto State has received official recognition from the Executive Governor, with office accommodation and operational vehicles provided to support project implementation.

• Delta State has integrated the project within the state's MSME development agency, where the State Project Coordinator also serves as Director-General.

• Kogi State has established a functional project office, facilitated strategic investment engagements with foreign partners, and strengthened collaboration with government institutions.

• Zamfara State has established a project office, implemented impactful empowerment programmes, hosted the Minister of State for Industry, and secured growing support from senior government officials.

• Abia State has secured four operational office facilities and is actively preparing to host a National Products Fair aimed at promoting locally manufactured products.

The Council acknowledged that many other states have also recorded significant milestones that could not be fully discussed during the meeting due to time constraints.

Addressing Institutional Challenges

While celebrating the project's impressive growth, the Coordinators also raised concerns regarding recurring questions from state governments about the project's institutional framework.

According to the Council, Executive Governors, Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs), Commissioners, and other senior officials have increasingly sought clarification regarding the project's legal status, funding structure, administrative framework, and federal oversight.

These concerns have become more pronounced as the National Office continues to issue official correspondence to states and facilitate participation in international investment and trade events.

The Council also noted that recent public scrutiny surrounding other federal initiatives has heightened the need for greater institutional clarity and transparency.

Call for Stronger Federal Engagement

Following extensive deliberations, the State Coordinators reached a unanimous conclusion that the project's long-term success depends on stronger statutory support and clearer federal institutional integration.

The Council therefore resolved to formally request the National Coordinator to facilitate a courtesy visit by all State Coordinators to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja.

According to the Coordinators, the proposed meeting would seek to:

• Reaffirm the SGF's official awareness and institutional support for the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project.

• Provide clarity regarding pending administrative matters, including formal letters of appointment for State Coordinators.

• Align stakeholders on the roadmap for transforming the project into a statutory National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Commission.

The Council emphasized that establishing a clear legal and administrative framework would enhance stakeholder confidence, improve coordination across states, and strengthen the project's ability to attract investment and partnerships.

State-Led National Events Progressing

The meeting also received updates on major national events being coordinated by various state offices.

National Seafood Stakeholders Business Forum

The Kogi State Coordinator briefed members on preparations for the National Seafood Stakeholders Business Forum, explaining that the event had been temporarily postponed due to operational considerations.

He assured the Council that a new date would be communicated soon, allowing sufficient time for state offices and stakeholders to prepare.

National Products Fair

The Abia State Coordinator reported that preparations for the upcoming National Products Fair are at an advanced stage.

States were encouraged to begin mobilizing manufacturers, SMEs, cooperatives, artisans, and production clusters to participate actively in what is expected to become one of Nigeria's largest exhibitions dedicated to locally made products and investment opportunities.

Building a Stronger National Economic Movement

The discussions reflected the growing transformation of the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project from a policy initiative into a nationwide economic development movement.

Across participating states, the project is increasingly serving as a platform for industrial development, SME growth, investment promotion, local production, value-chain expansion, job creation, and economic diversification.

The Council reiterated that sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, development partners, and the private sector will be essential to achieving the project's long-term objectives.

A Unified Vision for Nigeria's Future

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments to unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility among State Coordinators.

Members reaffirmed their determination to continue implementing programmes that promote Made-in-Nigeria products, strengthen indigenous industries, encourage investment, and position Nigeria as a globally competitive manufacturing and production economy.

As preparations continue for major national programmes and the proposed engagement with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Council of State Coordinators remains optimistic that stronger institutional support will provide the foundation needed to scale the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project into a lasting national economic transformation initiative.