Mathew Amaechi
In a concerted effort to bolster Nigeria’s industrialization and reduce dependency on imports, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to promote and commercialize locally made products. This collaboration aims to address the longstanding bias against Made-in-Nigeria goods and position them competitively in both domestic and international markets.
NASENI has been at the forefront of developing indigenous technologies and products. Recently, the agency announced the readiness of 35 made-in-Nigeria products for commercialization, including laptops, electric vehicles, android tablets, CCTV systems, and solar lights. Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, emphasized the agency’s dedication to reducing import dependence and fostering sustainable industrial practices. He stated, “Each of these products is a technological advancement and a testament to our commitment to sustainable industrial practice and reducing our dependence on imports.”
Despite these advancements, locally made products have struggled to gain widespread acceptance. Factors such as high production costs, perceptions of inferior quality, limited availability, and economic constraints have hindered their adoption. A report highlighted that the cost of producing goods in Nigeria is elevated due to unreliable power supply, expensive raw materials, and high taxes, making local goods more expensive than their imported counterparts.
Recognizing these challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed federal ministries, departments, and agencies to patronize NASENI’s technologies and products. This move is expected to support Made-in-Nigeria goods and reduce importation. The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion and Training Centre in Abuja, emphasized the importance of adopting local innovations to drive economic growth.
The NEPC has been instrumental in facilitating the export of Nigerian products. By collaborating with NASENI, the council aims to ensure that locally made goods meet international standards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in global markets. This partnership is expected to open new avenues for Nigerian products, especially in sectors where the country has a comparative advantage.
For Nigeria to achieve sustainable economic growth, it is imperative for both the public and private sectors to support and invest in local innovations. By addressing the challenges hindering the acceptance of Made-in-Nigeria goods and leveraging collaborations like that of NASENI and NEPC, the nation can pave the way for a robust industrial economy, reduce unemployment, and enhance its global trade standing.