The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reiterated its commitment to promoting local manufacturing and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth. This commitment was a central theme at a recent strategic focus group meeting on Made-in-Nigeria products held in Ibadan.
The meeting, themed “Made in Nigeria for Everyone,” aimed to address challenges and explore opportunities for strengthening the local manufacturing sector. Since its establishment in 1992, NASENI has aimed to bridge the gap between research and production, fostering homegrown innovations to drive economic development. The agency’s actual impact on bridging this gap and driving economic development requires further scrutiny.
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Speaking at the forum, Mr. Ahmed Hamzat, Acting Managing Director of the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (a subsidiary of NASENI), emphasized the agency’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base through its 3C agenda: Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization. The effectiveness of this agenda in achieving tangible results remains to be seen.
Hamzat highlighted NASENI’s role in fostering self-reliance, job creation, and wealth generation. He stated that the agency invests in research and development to provide engineering solutions across sectors such as agriculture, transportation, construction, and power. The extent to which these investments have translated into practical solutions and economic benefits needs to be evaluated.
Hamzat also addressed the issue of consumer perceptions about Nigerian-made goods, stating that many Nigerians are unaware of the quality of work being done and that products meet global standards. He called for supportive policies to provide financial assistance, enhance access to technology, and create an enabling environment for local businesses. Overcoming negative consumer perceptions and creating a truly enabling environment remain significant challenges.
A panel discussion featuring industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders examined critical issues affecting local manufacturing, including high production costs, limited access to funding, and the need for quality assurance to compete globally. Panelists emphasized the need for robust policies, improved financing options, and incentives for manufacturers prioritizing local production.
Mrs. Ogunronbi Olanike, an Assistant Director with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), discussed the agency’s efforts to assist small businesses through its MSME Skill Initiative. She noted that NAFDAC has streamlined documentation processes and intensified its fight against counterfeit goods.
Oluwadare Bolumole, a Senior Standards Engineer representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), stated that while many Nigerian products meet quality standards, consumer perception remains a major hurdle. He argued that Nigerians must take responsibility for celebrating and promoting their own brands.
The strategic focus group meeting highlighted the need for a unified approach to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. While stakeholders expressed optimism about the potential for increased local production, significant challenges remain, including negative consumer perceptions, high production costs, and limited access to funding.
