NASENI Urges Support for Local Products
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, themed *”Made in Nigeria for Everyone,”* brought together stakeholders from various sectors to promote local products and reduce reliance on imports.
Abdulfatai stated that NASENI, as a government agency, is mandated to develop science and engineering infrastructure for capital goods and to drive the country’s industrialization.
“NASENI has various development institutes across the country, including in 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 patronize locally made products.
“The government needs to support us by curbing the influx of imported goods.
“If local products receive the necessary patronage, we can focus on improving their quality.
“We have developed several products, but they remain underutilized due to a lack of patronage,” he added.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, noted that concerns over quality and standards often deter Nigerians from purchasing local products.
Adamu-Abbas, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Sani Muhammad-Gumel, commended NASENI for organizing the event and 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-made 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 directly 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 organizing the event.
“We have abundant natural resources and talented youths. By harnessing these resources, we can create opportunities rather than having young people solely 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.
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