The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on Nigerian manufacturers to actively seek information on how to enhance the export potential of their products.
Hadiza Kashiat, Head of Product and Marketing at NEPC’s Ogun State office, made this appeal during a Strategic Focus Group meeting organized by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Kashiat highlighted that one of the major obstacles Nigerian manufacturers face in exporting their goods is a lack of awareness regarding the necessary procedures. She noted that many do not take the initiative to gather relevant information or read available publications on export requirements.
“Many manufacturers do not seek information on what is required to export their products. Even when we provide publications on these requirements, most Nigerians do not read them. Instead of complaining, we need to utilize the information made available to us,” she stated.
Changing Perception on Locally Made Products
Kashiat also urged Nigerians to change their mindset toward locally made products. She argued that many Nigerian-made goods, often rejected by local consumers, are actually of higher quality and more durable than their imported counterparts. She stressed that economic growth would be hindered if Nigerians continued to overlook homegrown products.
“As Nigerians, we need to shift our perspective on our own products. Many made-in-Nigeria goods are of high quality. Some of our products are exported, only to be rebranded and sold in foreign markets. For instance, Nigerian lubricants rank among the best in the world. Our ginger and palm oil are highly sought after, with countries like Malaysia still coming to Nigeria for palm oil. If we continue rejecting our own products, how will our economy grow?” she questioned.
NASENI’s Commitment to Boosting Local Manufacturing
Speaking at the event, NASENI team leader, Mr. Babajide Soyya, emphasized that the low demand for Nigerian-made products not only affects the economy but also contributes to unemployment. He noted that importing foreign goods translates to exporting jobs that could otherwise be retained within the country.
To address this issue, NASENI is engaging key stakeholders to gather insights on effectively promoting Nigerian products and services. Soyya revealed that the agency is collaborating with various industries, empowering skilled labor, and entering into partnerships with firms through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen local manufacturing and drive technological innovation.
“NASENI is engaging focus groups to collect insights from stakeholders on how we can better support and promote local products and services. Our goal is to boost local production, encourage technological advancement, and empower the skilled workforce,” he said.
Strengthening Manufacturing in Nigeria
The meeting, themed ‘Made in Nigeria for Everyone’, focused on the challenges faced by Nigerian manufacturers and potential solutions. It was the fourth in a series of discussions, following previous sessions in Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna.
Stakeholders from various sectors attended the event, including representatives from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (OGCCIMA), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the National Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI), and the Faculty of Engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), among others.
The discussions underscored the need for a collective effort to boost local production, enhance export opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic standing through the promotion of indigenous products.
