President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, has hailed the dedication and resilience of local manufacturers, saying that despite the numerous micro and macroeconomic headwinds they face, a very harsh operating environment and a skewed international market, they continued to innovate, adapt and produce.
Speaking yesterday at the opening of the yearly three-day Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition, (MiNE 2024) as part of events marking the association’s 52nd AGM, he said the yearly exhibition remains a veritable platform for showcasing the high quality and diversified products manufactured in Nigeria, being a major component of their campaign for patronage of made in Nigeria products.
Praising manufacturers, whom he said continued to innovate and improve in quality and product diversification even in the face of daunting challenges, he said the exhibition showcases members operating in MAN’s 10 sectors and 70 sub-sectors.
Adding that local manufacturers have immense potential and capabilities; he decried the state of the sector and the numerous challenges they have to overcome daily. Referring to the Made-in-China (MIC 2025) 10-year government initiative aimed at growing domestic content to 70 per cent by 2025, he said Nigeria can reenact this feat if only the country accelerates the development of domestic production.
He called on all government ministries, departments and agencies to fully comply with Executive Orders 003 and 005 as was promised to them at the Nigerian Manufacturers Summit held earlier in the year.
Speaking on the exhibition’s theme: “The Imperative of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector in an Era of Economic Downturn,” acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Olusegun Omotola, explained in detail, how public procurement policies can be used to improve the manufacturing sector.
Decrying the numerous challenges facing manufacturers, which are multifaceted, he said despite the challenges, the sector holds immense potential as it is a key driver of job creation, technological advancement and economic diversification.
“A robust manufacturing sector is essential for reducing our dependence on imports, conserving FX and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global market. The time for half-measures and piecemeal solutions has passed and we need a comprehensive, intentional approach to developing this sector.”
This approach must be rooted in sound policies, strategic investments and unwavering commitment from both the public and private sectors.”
He said Nigeria must double down on promoting local content and patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods, stressing that the government at all levels must lead by example through effective enforcement and implementation of existing local content policies.
Adding that since the government remains the major spender in Nigeria, public procurement policies can significantly influence the direction of Nigeria’s industrial development, he said the BPP is already taking measures to protect and support the sector with a proposal for the amendment of the current Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.
He added that the BPP is ready to work with all business organisations and the OPS to develop intentional policies, roadmap and implementation framework that will deliver sustained inclusive economic growth, boost agriculture to achieve food security and accelerate diversification through industrialisation and manufacturing.
To strengthen public procurement policies and their impact on local manufacturing, he proposed an expansion of preferential treatment for local manufacturers to 70 per cent; implementation of stricter enforcement mechanisms; capacity building programs and promoting innovation through procurement
To address concerns about the quality of locally manufactured goods, he said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) must be strengthened to improve its certification of local products, invest in upgrading manufacturing facilities and processes and implement rigorous quality control measures among others.
