By Adeyinka Adeniran
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has restated its dedication to boosting local manufacturing and driving Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The commitment took center stage at the strategic focus group meeting on Made-in-Nigeria products in Ibadan, Oyo State capital city, where industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs gathered to tackle challenges and explore opportunities in the sector.
With the theme “Made in Nigeria for Everyone,” the event provided a platform to discuss ways to enhance product quality, tackle production challenges, and expand market access for Nigerian-made goods.
The Nation reports that, since its establishment in 1992, NASENI has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth. The agency bridges the gap between research and production, driving homegrown innovations that support economic development.
Speaking at the forum, Acting Managing Director of Prototype Engineering Development Institute, a subsidiary of NASENI, Mr. Ahmed Hamzat, highlights the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base through its 3C agenda: creation, collaboration, and commercialization.
He noted that NASENI remains dedicated to fostering self-reliance, wealth creation, and job opportunities.
According to him, by investing in research and development, NASENI provides engineering solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, transportation, construction, and power.
He added that, the agency continues to support local manufacturers, ensuring that Nigerian products meet international standards and become competitive on a global scale.
Hammed said, “We have moved from research to manufacturing, yet many Nigerians are unaware of the quality of work being done. Our products meet global standards, and we need to change the mindset of consumers to support locally made goods.
“If our manufacturers meet the required standards, there is no reason Nigerians won’t patronize them.”
He further emphasized the need for policies that provide financial support, improve access to technology, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying, “this meeting aims to raise awareness about the benefits of local production, encourage collaboration, and set higher quality standards to ensure Nigerian products can compete effectively in the market.”
A panel discussion featuring industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders examined key issues affecting local manufacturing. The discussion covered the high cost of production, access to funding, and strategies for ensuring Nigerian products meet global standards.
Panelists stressed that achieving industrial success requires strong policies, better financing options, and incentives for manufacturers who prioritize local production.
They also noted the importance of business registration and affiliation with recognized organizations to attract investors and benefit from government subsidies for locally sourced raw materials.
In her remarks, an Assistant Director with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Oyo State, Ibadan, Mrs Ogunronbi Olanike highlighted the agency’s efforts to support small businesses through its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMC) skill initiative.
She explained that NAFDAC had streamlined documentation requirements to make product registration easier and had intensified efforts against counterfeit goods through open-market raids, surveillance, and routine enforcement.
She encouraged the public to report fake and substandard products, stressing that consumer complaints are vital in tackling the circulation of such goods.
Senior Standards Engineer with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Oluwadare Bolumole, representing the State Coordinator, Engineer Akobi, noted that many Nigerian products meet required standards but suffer from a lack of awareness.
He said, “the issue is not quality but perception. Nigerians must take responsibility for celebrating and promoting their own brands.”
He explained that SON has a consumer complaint department and a market survey unit to ensure compliance with product standards and to investigate cases of substandard goods.
Also, a Deputy Director at the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr. Jide Williams, commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for supporting small businesses.
He said the state government, through its investment agency, had established a collaboration with private sector partners to provide funding opportunities for SMEs looking to scale up their businesses.
“We recognize that SMEs need financial support, and we have put structures in place to assist them,” he stated.
During an interactive session, participants shared concerns about infrastructure deficits, difficulties in sourcing raw materials, and the public’s preference for foreign-made goods.
Calls were made for NASENI to collaborate with financial institutions to create funding solutions tailored for local manufacturers. Industry experts also emphasized the importance of branding, marketing, and quality control in building consumer trust and increasing demand for Nigerian-made products.
The event concluded with an exhibition showcasing innovative Nigerian-made goods, providing stakeholders with opportunities to explore potential partnerships and business expansion strategies.
At the event, NASENI officials reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to strengthening local industries, stating that fostering homegrown manufacturing is key to Nigeria’s economic future.
Stakeholders also expressed optimism that with sustained investment and effective policies, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector will thrive, generating employment and enhancing economic growth. They also emphasized that prioritizing local production would position Nigeria as a formidable force in the global industrial market.
