News Investigators/ The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria products as a way of investing in the country’s future and boosting its economy.
The Coordinator, NASENI Implementation Management Office (IMO), Yusud Kasheem, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a Strategic Focused Group Meeting on Made-in-Nigeria Products.
Mr Kasheem said the meeting represented a pivotal moment in NASENI’s collective journey to champion and amplify the success of locally engineered solutions that were transforming lives across the country.
“By replicating this meeting across Nigeria, we aim to inspire a groundswell of support for made-in-Nigeria products.
“When we embrace these innovations, we do more than purchase goods, invest in our future, we create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on imported alternatives.
“Every Made-in-Nigeria product adopted is a step toward a stronger, more self-sufficient Nigeria,” Kasheem stressed.
He urged Nigerians and corporate bodies to join the transformative journey and collaborate with the agency as partners.
“Advocate for us as champions, and choose made-in-Nigeria as consumers.
“Together, we can drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological renaissance, building a legacy of innovation that future generations will inherit with pride,” he said.
According to him, through strategic partnerships both locally and internationally, NASENI had introduced 35 commercially viable made-in-Nigeria products.
Mr Kasheem listed some of the innovations to include: solar irrigation systems to empower farmers and boost food security, home solar systems, lithium batteries, Animal Feed Mill Machines and Energy-Efficient Street Lamps among others.
He said the agency was also pioneering eco-friendly mobility and reducing dependence on fossil fuel as well as demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class electronics.
“These are but a few examples of our growing portfolio, each product is crafted to the highest standards, designed not only to meet local needs, but to compete favorably with leading international brands,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Stella Okotete, Executive Director Business Development, NEXIM Bank, said the bank would continue to provide the necessary financial support and strategic guidance to expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
Mrs Okotete described the meeting as a testament to shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade by promoting locally manufactured goods and ensuring they met international standards.
She noted that the world was shifting towards economic diversification, adding that Nigeria must take its rightful place by leveraging our vast human and natural resources to build a strong export-driven economy.
Mrs Okotete said the promotion of made-in-Nigeria products was not just an economic necessity, but a national imperative.
“By increasing the quality, branding, and competitiveness of our
products, we can enhance our foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, as well as strengthen the value chain across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and services,” she said.
She said NEXIM Bank was committed to the vision, adding that it had developed targeted interventions, including: single-digit interest loans to support businesses in export manufacturing and value
addition.
She said the bank was also providing export credit facilities to ease access to financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as technical and market intelligence support to help exporters meet global standards.
Mrs Okotete said the bank was also investing in export infrastructure, including logistics and processing hubs to reduce trade barriers.
She encouraged all stakeholders, government agencies, financial
institutions, manufacturers, and exporters to work together in unlocking Nigeria’s export potential.
She stressed the need to promote quality assurance, innovation, and strong market linkages to ensure Nigerian products compete favorably in the global market.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria that does not just consume, but produces for the world. Let us make Made-in-Nigeria products a global brand of excellence,” Okotete said.
NAN