In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial sector and reduce reliance on imports, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting indigenous manufacturing. This was the focus of a one-day strategic workshop held in Asaba, Delta State, themed “Home Made Goods: The Future of Nigeria’s Economy.”
The workshop brought together top government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss strategies for boosting local production, stimulating job creation, and fostering economic resilience.
Strengthening Local Manufacturing
Hon. Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor and Lead Implementor of the NASENI Strategic Meeting, emphasized that the forum served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to explore ways to enhance local production. He noted that fostering collaboration with NASENI would be instrumental in driving technological innovation and industrial growth in Delta State.
In their goodwill messages, Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, and Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Daniel Odinigie, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for economic diversification. They stressed that empowering local manufacturers would not only create jobs but also strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The Role of Indigenous Technology
Delivering a keynote presentation on “NASENI’s Role in Promoting Indigenous Technology and Manufacturing,” Engineer Ifesinachi underscored the importance of home-grown production in building a sustainable and competitive economy.
He highlighted the key benefits of prioritizing locally made goods, including:
- Boosting economic growth by fostering innovation and expanding industrial development.
- Reducing dependence on imports to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency.
- Creating employment opportunities and strengthening local supply chains.
- Enhancing product quality through investment in research and technology.
According to Ifesinachi, Nigeria’s future depends on scaling up local production, improving product quality, and embracing modern manufacturing techniques. He stressed that indigenous technology could serve as a catalyst for infrastructural development and called on both government and private sector stakeholders to champion the cause.
Strategies for Advancing Made-in-Nigeria Goods
As part of his recommendations, Ifesinachi proposed several key strategies to support local manufacturers, including:
- Incentives for local manufacturers to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness.
- Lower interest rates on loans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing.
- Public-private partnerships to expand production and distribution networks.
He emphasized that these measures would not only lower the cost of Nigerian-made goods but also spur innovation, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global market.
Stakeholders Identify Challenges and Solutions
A key highlight of the workshop was the interactive breakout session, where industry experts, entrepreneurs, and regulatory bodies—including the Bank of Industry and the Standards Organization of Nigeria—examined challenges facing local manufacturers.
Discussions centered on:
- Limited access to funding and how to improve financial support for manufacturers.
- Infrastructural deficits that hinder the growth of the local industry.
- Competition with imported goods and strategies to increase consumer preference for home-made products.
The groups proposed several solutions, including:
- Enhancing branding and marketing strategies to make locally made goods more appealing.
- Leveraging modern technology to improve efficiency and production quality.
- Creating an enabling business environment through favorable government policies.
- Encouraging consumer patriotism by launching awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of buying local.
A Call to Action
Public affairs analyst Abel Johngold Orheruata commended Hon. Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola for successfully coordinating the NASENI Strategic Focus Group Meeting in Asaba. He emphasized that the workshop was a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s industrial and technological challenges.
He noted that the event brought together high-profile stakeholders—including manufacturers, government agencies, research experts, and financial institutions—all united by a shared vision of strengthening Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action for government agencies, private investors, and the general public to support locally made goods. Stakeholders pledged to collaborate in tackling existing barriers and championing policies that promote home-grown production.
With NASENI’s renewed commitment and the strong support of the Delta State Government, there is growing optimism that Made-in-Nigeria products will play a transformative role in shaping the country’s economic future.
