The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to designate an annual “Proudly Nigeria Day” to promote local consumption and boost the country’s economy.
According to MAN President, Francis Meshioye, the day would serve as a national economic reflection, fostering behavioral change and renewing national pride in Made-in-Nigeria products.
Meshioye emphasised that the “Nigeria First” agenda is not about closing doors to the world but opening the right doors to Nigerian-made solutions, jobs, and ingenuity.
He stressed the need to institutionalise mechanisms that prioritise Made-in-Nigeria products in government contracts, public spending, and private-sector procurement.
The MAN President highlighted the importance of implementing and enforcing existing Executive Orders, including 003 and 005, and imposing consequences for non-compliance.
He also suggested establishing a functional, independent compliance agency to audit patronage levels and recommend corrective action.
Meshioye noted that corporate Nigeria also has a responsibility to align with the “Nigeria First” vision, emphasising the need for multinationals, conglomerates, and large procurement organisations to look within for raw materials, packaging, and inputs produced locally to global standards.
The MAN President acknowledged the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria, including high energy costs, limited access to credit, infrastructure gaps, and insecurity.
However, he emphasized the potential for growth and development through intentional action and policy reforms.
Meshioye called for a national demand plan that maps out procurement opportunities and integrates Nigerian manufacturers into demand chains.
He cited examples of successful industrial policies in countries like China and India, emphasising the need for a similar approach in Nigeria to drive economic growth and development.
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