NACCIMA tasks manufacturers on product improvement

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has urged manufacturers to improve and be honest in the manufacturing of products.

In a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, Emmanuel Cobham, Director-General of the association, reiterated that improved products would translate to the development of the sector, he said that improved products would guarantee efficiency of their operations, society benefit and overall development of the economy.

He said, “If products can be made to standout, the customers will appreciate it because the customers like good quality products.

“Most customers are willing to pay the difference to get value for their money in the goods they purchase. We pride ourselves as being a big economy and a key player in the world, then we expect that products from our country should meet international standards.’’

He said almost two million new cars were sold every month in China, despite its economic slowdown and the demand for China cars was also strong in Europe. There was a time when the world depended on German and Japanese products but from this figure, it shows that China has been able to perfect its act, they did it to show others that it is feasible and this is good for their economy.

“What is Dubai trading in? Honesty, top standard production and they make sure that only the best comes in. Things like religion and sentiment do not interfere in their product quality specifications.

He said there is a referral point that everyone adheres to which brings a turnaround in their economy.

The DG urged the manufacturers to establish necessary mechanisms that would facilitate growth in the manufacturing sector, as well as the national economy.

He reminded manufacturers that attention had shifted to the patronage of locally-produced goods, as an alternative to imported goods, for job creation, economic development and sectoral‎ growth.

Cobham argued that if locally produced goods are of good quality, buyers would willingly change their taste preferences for imported goods and embrace made-in-Nigeria products.

The DG alleged that corruption was the bane of the fight against substandard goods, as most producers had shunned standards for quick riches, at the expense of buyers.

He urged the relevant government agencies to ensure substandard goods were removed from circulation.

(NAN)