Trade fair exhibitors urge FG to invest more on made-in-Nigeria brands
Exhibitors and the organiser of the ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Trade Fair, Mr. Onaham Oyemike, have urged the Federal Government to aggressively invest in and promote locally-manufactured products to stimulate the economy and get the country out of recession.
Oyemike, who is also the Managing Director of Baca Furniture Product Ltd., made the call on Friday at the trade fair in Abuja and decried the rate at which Nigerians patronise foreign brands, including furniture and other home interiors at the expense of the made-in-Nigeria products.
According to Oyemike, the Federal Government should step up sustainable programmes to boost the capacity of indigenous companies and products.
He expressed the belief that sustainable initiatives and sensitisation would boost patronage of Nigerian brands because the mass of the people are ignorant of the fact that quality and durable products are also produced in the country.
“The trade fair will show that we can produce good things then, make Nigerians to have a rethink and improve on the patronage of Nigerian products. If we are to produce locally, it will be affordable and if the product is not satisfactory, it can be amended without any cost,” he explained.
For Oyemike, looking inwards, also gives room for producing what a customer wants according to his or her specifications. “You cannot give foreign company specifications to make what you want, if you try it, the cost will be higher. But in terms of local manufacturers, your specifications will make it cheaper for you.
The ongoing trade fair, which is a private partnership initiative, was to showcase furniture, granites, tiles and all made-in-Nigeria products and brands.
Exhibitors at the Fair commended the Federal Government and Oyemike for approving and providing the platform and opportunity to showcase their skills, display their products and brands.
An exhibitor, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the News Agency of Nigeria, said the trade was a welcome idea and the best way for his company to reach out to Nigerians.
The company produces Nigerian-made rug, furniture, recliner leather sofa, executive office chairs, luxury swing chairs, and marble centre tables, among others.
Another exhibitor, Miss Careen Mbulaf, owner of AFRCARLA Couture, urged the government to bring Nigerian goods, services, products and brands to the front burner by organising an exhibition for people with skills to participate.
“Individuals cannot do it on their own, if government should organise a thing like this, there will be room for development. I always have passion to promote African products and brands, basically Nigerian products by pushing what we have to other nations. We should make production worthwhile because we have the skills and endowment,” she said.
Miss Uche Okonkwo, the proprietor of Orobo Clothing Line appealed to the government to encourage indigenous manufacturers with soft loans to establish their own businesses.
The trade fair, with the theme: Promotion of Made-in-Nigeria Products, which was approved by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, began on August 17 and will end on August 31.
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