By Damiete Braide
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local manufacturing and promote made-in-Nigeria products. This was emphasised during its focus group engagement in Lagos.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, manufacturers, trade associations, legal practitioners and innovators, to discuss challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
In his welcome address, the overseeing officer of NASENI, Lagos Office, Babajide Sawyer, stated that the agency would leverage on technology to boost local production. He added that investing in Nigerian-made products would be crucial for economic growth and self-reliance.
He listed NASENI’s efforts to promote local manufacturing, citing collaborations with Caverton Helicopters and the Naval Dockyard to produce helicopters and boats in Nigeria.
Director-General, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof Anthony Kila, in his keynote address, outlined six critical factors necessary for the success of locally made products, to include scaling up production to meet consumer demand, maintaining high-quality standards, balancing affordability with profitability, increasing visibility and consumer education, as well as building strategic partnerships for market expansion.
He emphasised that no product was born excellent but stressed that all products must undergo continuous improvement. He urged local manufacturers to be intentional about enhancing their products to remain competitive in the global market.
A major highlight of the event was the panel discussion moderated by Nduka Enweliku. The session featured industry experts, such as Oluchi Odimuko of the Manufacturers Association (MAN), Oke-Oghene Esin of NEXIM Bank, and Ndirpaya Hyeladzira from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Discussions centred on policies that could drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth through the promotion of locally made goods.
Esin pointed out that one of the major challenges facing local manufacturers was not just a lack of financing but the difficulty in accessing available funds. He stressed that many businesses struggle due to poor financial structuring and a lack of business management skills. He recommended business-training programmes, especially for young entrepreneurs, to help them structure their enterprises for financial inclusion. Mrs Theresa Ojomo from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) addressed the concerns about regulatory challenges, clarifying those regulatory bodies were not barriers to production but instead ensure that manufacturers produce quality goods at affordable costs.