Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the importance of prioritizing local content and promoting made-in-Nigeria products. Speaking at the opening of the three-day National Manufacturing Summit 2024 at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima reiterated that Executive Order 003, which mandates the patronage of locally manufactured products, remains in force.
He highlighted the necessity of expanding Nigeria’s production base and supporting the creation of capital goods to drive industrialization. Shettima assured that the federal government’s commitment to Executive Order No. 003, which supports local content in public procurement, continues to be enforced, urging all relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies to comply fully.
The vice-president stressed the need for Nigeria to support its indigenous firms to boost local production and enhance their capabilities. He pointed out that the summit provides an opportunity to reassess the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and find solutions to overcome them.
Shettima noted that strengthening the production base, especially in manufacturing, is crucial for addressing economic imbalances and reducing the nation’s dependency on imports. He called on stakeholders to tackle the sector’s challenges to ensure a competitive manufacturing industry.
During his tour of the summit’s exhibition, Shettima expressed confidence in Nigeria’s industrial capabilities, creativity, and innovation. He underlined the importance of manufacturing in generating wealth, creating jobs, improving living standards, and increasing revenue.
Shettima also mentioned President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects, including roads, ports, and energy supply, as essential for advancing the manufacturing sector.
Francis Meshioye, president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), thanked President Tinubu for hosting the summit and acknowledged the support received from the vice-president’s office. Meshioye stated that the summit aims to reposition the manufacturing sector for accelerated growth, enhance its competitiveness, and maximize its positive impact on the economy and citizens’ well-being. He also noted the challenges posed by the current economic environment and its adverse effects on jobs and livelihoods in the manufacturing sector.
