The Minister, Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelemah, has said with power being a major draw back to industralisation, the ministry is trying to see if they can have a prototype distribution to every part of the country.
The Minister who was represented by Dr. Francis Alaneme , an official of the Ministry, said as far as his ministry is concerned, the government is doing well and from the government’s side, policies have been put in place to boost Industrialisation, while Infrastructure, innovation, and other challenges have been identified and is currently being worked on.
The 2017 Manufacturing and Equipment Nigeria Expo, had in attendance, procurement managers, managing directors, supply chain managers and other decision makers.
The keynote address given by the President, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, DR. Frank Udemba was focused on intensifying local manufacturing ; Industry growth opportunities for the sector. He stated that, the Expo provided manufacturers’ an opportunity to re-tool and discover technological solutions, to improve their operations and also create avenues for sourcing local and more cost effective raw materials for their operations.
The President MAN, Dr. Frank Udemba, also said you cannot be a member of MAN and produce sub -standard items, mentioing that their products measured up international standards although, this doesn’t exempt the fact that some unscrupulous elements exist in the market and sector .He further said, manufacturers have not taken advantage of the opportunities inherent in the African community and that the ECOWAS market is for us. if we can make proper use of it, it will help grow our economy..
The Minister of Science and Technology who was represented by Dr. Zainab Hammanga said “people should start by wearing and patronizing made in Nigeria ,as they represent at least 30 percent of Nigeria” in your outlook.The onus rest on us to make this work, it has to start from us, 30 percent of what i wear is made in Nigeria” she added.
RMRDC Director General, Dr. Hussaini Ibrahim emphasised on what RMRDC has achieved over the years. Ibrahim who was represented by a Director, Dr. Moses Omojola added that, we should be thankful for the resources we have. Nigeria has stopped importing tooth pick, also moved from net importers of cement in 2002 to net exporters in 2017.
The official from Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON said, Nigerian cables are the best in West Africa. we can’t say we do not have sub-standard products in the market, but we have authorities in place to regulate all these , and ensure that all products conform to the best industrial standards and they do this, recognising international standards.