Some Nigerians say Aba leather and fabrics are good enough for them and can compete with their foreign counterparts.
Speaking with BusinessDay, some of the respondents applauded Aba entrepreneurs for their hard work and artistry, but urged them to improve their finishing.
Olorogun Tope, a resident of Lagos, said he always bought Aba-made products and urged the entrepreneurs to produce more quality products.
“With the reputation of made-in-Nigeria products, Aba manufacturers actually produce good, quality and affordable products. With a little help and training, I expect Aba-made products to become sought-after globally,” Tope said.
Isaac Loveth, a trader in Lagos, said as a true Nigerian he would always buy products from Aba because of the artistry of the entrepreneurs.
“Whatever the case is, Aba-made products will be my choice. They are always up to the task when we talk of durability, affordability and quality. Even some foreign products are not as good as our indigenous products here. From travel bags to shoes to handbags, Aba products are the best,” Loveth said.
Another respondent, Tobi Joseph, said he loved made-in-Aba products any time, any day.
“I love Aba-made products all the time. Most of my shoes are Aba-made and they have served their purpose well,” he said.
He said some of the products manufactured in Aba were exported abroad, rebranded and sent back into the market at high prices.
“Most Nigerians do not appreciate our home-made products, which is wrong. Nigerians need to appreciate Aba made products. This will encourage more products from the industry with all the specifications of foreign products,” he noted.
Oshinowo Taiwo, a Lagos-based professional, said most Aba products were easy to get and could also be very beautiful.
“I even prefer them to foreign products. Some believe that Aba- made products are inferior, but we also have foreign products that are sub-standard. It revolves around what you can afford. The major point is to get value for your money.”
Onyeka Iheoma, an Enugu-based civil servant, said Aba products had good standards.
“Even if you do not have much money, they will produce shoes or bags or trunk boxes that fit the amount you have. That is flexibility.”
However, some stressed the need for Aba artisans to improve the quality of their products, especially finishing.
Wunmi Alabi, a Lagos-based businessman, said he preferred foreign products because he believed they had better quality.
“I will not waste my money. Foreign products have better designs and innovations that always make the products loveable. Most Aba products that I know have mediocre designs and unpalatable colours,” he said.
