The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is pushing for a dedicated national day, coined “Proudly Nigeria Day,” to celebrate locally made products, aiming to amplify domestic consumption and production.

During the inauguration of the Three-Day Made in Nigeria Exhibition, MAN President Franchise Meshioye advocated for the establishment of this special day. On this occasion, government entities, businesses, and citizens would showcase their commitment to the nation’s industry by wearing Nigerian-made attire and endorsing local products.

Meshioye commended the government’s efforts to thwart unfair trade practices that previously rendered Nigeria a receptacle for foreign goods. Yet, he urged swift, strategic measures to enforce and assess compliance with policies boosting the preference for domestic products across all government sectors, extending to state and local administrations.

The proposed ‘Proudly Nigeria Day’ will act as an impetus, enhancing the production and consumption of homegrown goods, fostering a resilient, competitive manufacturing sphere, Meshioye elaborated. “Promoting indigenous products will notably escalate capacity utilization, job creation, and manufacturing’s GDP contribution,” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Jean Bakole, the UNIDO Regional Director for West and Central Africa, highlighted the pressing need for Nigerians to embrace locally manufactured goods, particularly amidst global economic uncertainties. Such a shift would bolster the national economy and propel inclusive, sustainable industrial progress.

Bakole emphasized that Nigeria’s economic surge hinges on nurturing local enterprises, including startups and MSMEs, focusing on indigenous products. He warned against the continuous reliance on imports, advocating for a paradigm shift towards internal production to stimulate economic stability and expansion.

“The proliferation of local manufacturing and a decrease in imports will usher in substantial employment, fortifying the national currency and enhancing Nigeria’s GDP,” Bakole noted. He reinforced that the government’s increasing involvement in nurturing local ventures is pivotal and must continue through sustained policy initiatives, infrastructural development, and unwavering support for entities like MAN.

The collective move towards products labeled ‘Made in Nigeria’ not only promises economic growth but also ensures job creation, poverty reduction, and competitive prowess in local outputs versus imports.