The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, on Tuesday on the opening ceremony of the three day event tagged MANEXPO 2023, intimated the captain of the industries and the general public the importance of the made in Nigeria goods which produces products that meets the international standard.

The MANEXPO 2023, which was held at Oriental Hotel Lagos, from 17th – 19th October, 2023 also hosts the 51st Annual General Meeting, AGM of MAN.

President ofl MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, noted the significance of the event to the Association.

The President said the Association has consistently organized the exhibition for the past five years with the primary purpose of showcasing the strength of manufacturing in Nigeria and canvassing for the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.

The MANEXPO 2023, he said aligns with one of MAN’s core objectives, which is to actively encourage the widespread patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by consumers both within and outside the country.

In encouraging the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria product, Meshioye, acknowledged the contribution of some government policies aimed at improving local content development and patronage, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.

He said further, “Undeniably, these are clear signals of government’s appreciation of the need to promote local production and encourage patronage of locally manufactured products. We are expectant that the policy direction of the new administration will focus on deepening domestic production and patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.

“While it is reassuring to note the government’s avowed commitment tocurbing trade practices that has turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported products, it is important that government takes immediate action to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of adherence to government initiatives aimed at promoting the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products among all ministries, departments and agencies of govt. This should also be cascaded to sub-nationals, including states and local governments.

“We envision and anticipate a future in Nigeria where the government will designate a special day on the national calendar as “Proudly Nigeria Day”. On this special day, all individuals and government ministries, departments and agencies would be encouraged to dress in Made-in-Nigeria outfits and prioritize the purchase of products that are locally made.”

According to him, Such initiatives would serve as catalysts to boost both the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods, a crucial milestone in the path towards a virile and competitive manufacturing sector.

He expressed conviction that massive support for the growth of domestic production through the patronage of locally made goods will greatly improve capacity utilization, job creation and manufacturing contribution to gross domestic product.

Meshioye, said “The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria remains focused and committed to its advocacy for a conducive business environment and specific targeted policies that will support the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products. Indeed, MAN’s commitment to promoting local content development remains a strategic cornerstone for revitalizing our struggling economy.

“MAN reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of high quality and competitive Made-in-Nigeria products. I therefore urge all our members to continue to innovate and upgrade their manufacturing processes and product standards to foster increased competitiveness. This is particularly crucial in light of the potential advantages that the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement presents for the manufacturing sector.

The President encouraged the public to explore the exhibition area and witness firsthand the significant progress Manufacturers have made, inspite of the biding constraints to their operations and that they will discover the highly commendable advancement the manufacturing sector has made towards the development of the national economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.