Federal Govt Recommits To Boosting Local Production

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enhancing local production.

Shettima, said this at the “Made in Naija Trade Exhibition” organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce yesterday.

Represented by the Special Adviser, Special Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar, he said Nigeria’s economic identity and global relevance will be defined by what it creates.

The vice president said Nigeria’s future depends on the creativity, ingenuity and enterprise of its people.

“There is nothing that advertises the pride of a nation as much as the craft, creativity and conceptions of its people. They do more than signal the capability of the people. They serve as a fertilizer of the economy. They nourish every sector and give life to dreams yet to be imagined.

“This is both the assurance of our readiness to make Nigerian brands appeal to the world and a promise of the government’s commitment to work with you through this journey of transformation,”he said.
Shettima stressed that the country’s wealth does not lie in oil fields, fertile land, or mineral deposits, but in what Nigerians are able to turn those resources into.

“Our fortune is what we make of these resources, the ambition that turns potential into prosperity. It rests on the shoulders of our most valuable asset, our human capital.

“It is not enough for us to produce. We must patronize what we produce. Every time we choose a product manufactured here, we are making an investment, in a Nigerian entrepreneur, an artisan, a factory worker, a young graduate building a future.

“Made in Nigeria must become synonymous with quality, innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. We have the resources, we have the creativity, we have the human capital. What remains is our resolve.

“Our administration is committed to providing the infrastructure, stable policies and essential finance needed for our local industries to scale up, meet international standards, and proudly export Nigerian excellence to the world,” he said.

For his part, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reiterated National Assembly’s full support for policies that prioritise Nigerian-made goods, saying the country’s future depends on local production, value addition and reduced dependence on imports.

He said, “Our aim remains constant—to create a productive and competitive economic environment where innovation prospers and domestic industry is safeguarded. Even as we focus on increasing output, we must not lose sight of quality.

“Nigerian manufacturers must ensure that their products meet global standards. Quality assures credibility and consumer trust. It also builds national pride and enhances our position in international markets.

“The theme of this exhibition, ‘Reshaping the Future of Commerce,’ aligns closely with Nigeria’s broader national objectives. At the heart of this agenda is the urgent need to transition from an import-dependent structure to one built on domestic production, value creation, and inclusive growth.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement offers new opportunities. To harness its full potential, we must position Nigerian goods as competitive, dependable, and regionally visible.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Hon. Ahmed Munir, said the country is on the brink of an industrial and economic rebirth driven by local manufacturing, innovation, and strong legislative support.

Munir said the country must now “forge prosperity with our own hands,” transforming raw potential into globally competitive products made in Nigeria.

He noted that the focus on local content is projected to create over five million new jobs by 2030, shifting Nigerian youths from the unemployment line into factories, workshops, and innovation hubs across the country.