NASENI Urges Nigerians to Patronize Local Products for Economic Growth
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigerians to support and promote locally made goods and services to drive sustainable economic development.
Speaking at a Strategic Focus Group Meeting in Abeokuta, NASENI representative Babajide Sawyerr emphasized that increased patronage of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products would strengthen the nation’s economy, reduce unemployment, and curb reliance on imports.
He highlighted that low demand for local goods negatively impacts economic growth and job creation, as manufacturing opportunities are lost to foreign markets. NASENI is collaborating with industries, signing agreements, and engaging stakeholders—including manufacturers, SMEs, and academia—to identify challenges and boost productivity. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) also stressed the need to change public perception, arguing that many local products are of superior quality but often face rejection.
Hadiza Kashiat from NEPC noted that Nigerian products such as lubricants, ginger, and palm oil are globally recognized for their quality, yet the economy suffers because citizens prefer imports. She urged Nigerians to emulate countries like China, which prioritized local goods to drive economic progress. Ibrahim Idris of NACCIMA pointed to high energy costs, currency volatility, inadequate research funding, and substandard production as major obstacles to industrial growth, calling for strategic measures to support local industries.
