By Emmanuel Otoikhila
A strategic meeting of Government Agencies was held recently in Benin, Edo State, to advocate for the use of Made-in-Nigeria Products to strengthen local manufacturing, drive technological innovation and further boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This meeting, which was organized by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) with the theme “Made-in Nigeria for everyone”, had captains of Industries, Members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, investors, and Federal MDAS, including the Raw Materials Research and Development (RMRDC).
This Engagement was aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration by engaging policymakers, business, and industry leaders to shape policies that encourage local manufacturing and industrial innovation.
The Special Guest of Honor, the Executive Governor of Edo state, Mr. Monday Okpebholo who was represented by Mr. Oroghide Eghosa, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Edo State emphasized the importance of the event in Promoting indigenous technology and manufacturing, highlighting the role of innovation in increasing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.
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Further, he said the event would identify market challenges and opportunities by addressing barriers to scaling Made-in-Nigeria Products, including quality standards, funding, infrastructure, and policy support.
The Director of Technology Business Department (TBD) of NASENI Engr. Bernard Ozigi, in his address, enlightened the participants on the need and benefits of using Made-in-Nigeria goods to develop the economy, and also sought deeper collaboration from the stakeholders at the meeting.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion, which examined the challenges and possible solutions and opportunities of Made-in-Nigeria products, and the need to patronize our own.
The panelists were the Director of ICT, Mr. Oroghide Eghosa; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Ayomide; Igbenidion University, Prof. Rowland; Benson Idahosa University, Mr. Ayodegi Omotelinse; Acting State Coordinator, RMRDC, Edo State Coordinating Office, Mr. Emmanuel O. Otoikhila, Managing Director, Austin Laz Company, Dr. Austine Asimonye, and Bank of Industry, Mr. Joseph.
Stakeholders in the manufacturing sector stated that most of the challenges they face as most people don’t patronize Made-in Nigeria, urging the government to intensify awareness creation and encourage favourable policies that can boost local production in Nigeria.
An array of exhibitions was sampled, including the NASENI Made-in-Nigeria Solar Panel design, with all raw materials used from Nigeria
RMRDC played a leading role at the event by ensuring stakeholders in the raw materials sector were fully represented at the event. The RMRDC state coordinator also spoke on the upcoming investors forum on palm Oil in the state, which is proposed to be held on the 30th of April, 2025, and also the 1st Africa Raw Materials Summit, held from the 20th to 23rd May, 2025, urging stakeholders to endeavour to partner and participate in the event which promises to come with numerous benefits.
