The Made in Nigeria Festival Summit which was held between 26th September to 1st October, 2016 had various discussions on enabling the Nigerian economy through `Power, Infrastructure and Agriculture. It also had a number of important discussants who highlighted the advantages of buying locally manufactured goods and services.
Among other things “recession in Nigeria has forced Nigerians too look inwards and buy Made in Nigeria Goods,” Ndidi Nuweli, Founder Leap Africa and CEO of AACE Foods said at the event. She narrated the issues her food company faces and how the company’s productivity is being boosted by increasing local patronage.
The group managing director of Skye Bank, Tokunbo Abiru, also encouraged Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria goods as that is one of the ways to save the nation from the present recession with its attendant challenges. He disclosed this while addressing delegates in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship panel.
Abiru also said “When we patronize locally-made goods, we are invariably contributing to enhanced operations of local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, creating jobs, improving quality of products and ultimately stimulating local consumption that eventually impact the local economy.
Konga’s CEO, Shola Adekoya, speaking during a panel discussion on ‘Doing Business in Nigeria,’ said “Where we are today isn’t acceptable to us as a nation and as a people. The rest of the world is moving on and we’re being left behind. We also need to keep in mind that there are new ways of doing things and we have to begin to leverage on them as government agencies, parastatals, and businesses to achieve desired results.”
Adekoya further said that for a nation to make great progress, human and infrastructural developments are necessary. He mentioned that Konga.com is bringing innovation to the online e-commerce space.
“The development of a nation is important, as it’s not just about discussing the issues plaguing the country, but focus should be on fixing them. As technology moves, we need to begin to rethink our policies and strategies so they align with technological advancements.”
In the Agriculture panel, it was concluded that Nigeria needs a community of Agribusiness professionals where youths can be encouraged to do research and leverage on social media platforms. The Commissioner of Agriculture in Ogun State, Ronke Sokefun said, ‘’we need more cottage mills, where farmers can maximize their produce’’
Ibukun Awosika, Chairman of First Bank Nigeria and CEO of Chair Centre Group mentioned in the Infrastructure panel discussion that one of the most innovative ways we can create infrastructural value is by collaborating with the private sector. Her speech focused on building social infrastructure. Tonye Cole of Sahara Group mentioned that the policies in place are for traders, not for entrepreneurs. The government should implement favorable policies for SME’s and that there’s a huge difference between traders and entrepreneurs.
Similarly, Dapo Adelegan, President of Nigeria- British Chamber of Commerce said that most policy makers still have the mindset of the 20th century. And that the need reorientation, if not SME growth might become static.
Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power pleaded with Nigerians to imbibe a conservation culture in order to optimize electricity, he also said the Federal Government is ready to support Made in Nigeria Electrical Meters. He mentioned that Cyber centers and technology clusters can help to solve the challenges in the power sector; he added that he will be delighted if Nigerian youths can create power applications that will improve data analysis. He concluded that every challenge in the power sector should be seen as an opportunity to produce even though the power supply challenge in Nigeria is man-made.
The Exhibition, a vital part of Made in Nigeria Festival is a sight to behold as many exhibitors displayed their made in Nigeria Goods in their well adorned stalls. Different brands were well represented, as they rekindled their love for Nigerians examples of such brands are Nasco Foods and Rite Foods, they drew exhibitors with their free tasting appeal.
The Made in Nigerian Festival has ignited hope in Nigerians and has proved that Made in Nigeria Products can be innovative and affordable.
