NOA asks Nigerians to help economy, patronise local goods, services

National Orientation Agency (NOA), yesterday, called for increased patronage of locally-made products and services to strengthen the economy.

[files] A man browse for traditional medicaments at a market in Katsina on December 14, 2021. – Africa’s most populous country is struggling with double-digit inflation, especially high food prices, and many Nigerians are looking for ways to save on basic expenses. (Photo by Aminu ABUBAKAR / AFP)

Odile further stated that the Agency had been engaging various sectors and stakeholders at all levels since 2016, through advocacy, interactive fora and media campaigns with a view to sensitise Nigerians to change their attitude towards locally made goods, thereby enabling the revival of local industries, creation of employment and restoration of National pride.

He said the agency’s Director General, Mr. Garba Abari, recently directed all state directorates and the FCT to intensify campaigns to sensitising Nigerians to the negative effects of preferring foreign goods over locally-made ones, a situation which has forced manufacturers to resort to deceptive branding of their products.

He said: “It is the expectation of the National Orientation Agency that this round of campaign against preference for foreign products and services would help strengthen the dwindling Gross Domestic Product of the country, as a result of low patronage of local products, reduce employment rate, increase the value of naira and boost the Nigerian economy,” he said.