The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigerians to support locally made products.
Mr Ambali Abdulfatai, Kano Head of Department, Manufacturing Services at the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI-NASENI), made the appeal at a strategic focus group meeting on Tuesday in Kano.
The meeting, with the theme ‘Made in Nigeria For Everyone,’ gathered stakeholders from various sectors to promote local products and reduce imports.
Abdulfatai stated that NASENI, as a government agency, is mandated to produce science and engineering infrastructure for capital goods and to promote the country’s industrialisation.
“NASENI has various development institutes across the country, including Kano, Maiduguri, Nasarawa, and Awka.
“The agency covers a broad scope of engineering and scientific infrastructure development,” he said.
He explained that a major challenge is Nigerians’ reluctance to patronise locally made products.
“The government needs to support us by stopping the influx of imported goods.
“If local products receive the necessary patronage, we can focus on improving their quality.
“We have developed some of these products, but they remain unused due to lack of patronage,” he added.
Also, Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof Sagir Adamu-Abbas, noted that concerns over quality and standards often deter Nigerians from buying local products.
Adamu-Abbas, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Sani Muhammad-Gumel, commended NASENI for organising the event. He stressed the need to support and encourage talented Nigerians.
“With the right support, people can produce high-quality, affordable products using local materials.
“I assure Nigerians that NASENI’s efforts will ensure quality, so they should start supporting Nigerian goods,” he said.
The Project Officer of the Bank of Industry, Arafat Ibrahim-Umar, highlighted the bank’s mission to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector.
“A gathering like this is crucial for the bank as it impacts the Nigerian economy.
“The bank is strategically focusing on six thematic areas, including gender, youth empowerment, skill development, and climate infrastructure.
“With adequate funding, industries will be able to produce quality products,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Dr Lami Abba-Isma’il of Sazakh General Merchandise commended NASENI for organising the event.
“We have abundant natural resources and talented youths. By harnessing these resources, we can create opportunities rather than leaving young people to seek white-collar jobs,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NASENI unveiled branded products, including coal cooking stoves, solar charger controllers, bulbs, and solar panels.