Senator Bukola Saraki canvasses support for made-in-Nigeria products

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Friday, that Nigeria can only grow its economy if citizens patronise made-in-Nigeria products...


Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sanni Onogu, stated this when the Chief Executive Officer of Adic Designs Limited, Mr. Adiele Ekeke, presented to him 29 locally made fabrics.

The Senate President, the statement explained, ordered the materials when he inspected the stalls of participants in the Made-in-Aba Trade Fair held in Abuja recently.

Saraki said he was happy that the Public Procurement Act is in the process of being amended to encourage Nigerian industries through the purchase of locally produced goods.

After receiving the 29 Made-In-Nigeria outfits designed for him, the senate president said he would spread the message to all his colleagues in both chambers of the National Assembly to begin to patronise made in Nigeria products.

He said, “On a serious note, we must all work together to help our local industries. A lot of people laugh about it, but it is a serious matter. I think that we should be very committed.

“This is how other countries started and have been able to succeed. So let us join hands in supporting our own entrepreneurs.”

Saraki made in naija2Saraki recalled that a few weeks back he joined Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe to attend the Made-In-Aba Trade Fair in Abuja.

He said, “We went round, looked at some of the products being made by Nigerians and we made a commitment then that we will definitely support the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products by all.

“This might look like a small step in our action but it is very symbolic and we truly believe that it is time for us to drive our economy, stimulate jobs by encouraging and supporting our indigenous manufacturers.

“I have said that the National Assembly will support locally produced items from garments, wears and cars.

“I am also happy that the Public Procurement Act is in the process of being amended. It has gone through first reading and we hope that next week we will take the second reading.

He urged the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment to step up its oversight activities to ensure that most of the close to N4tn earmarked for expenditure by the Federal Government in the 2016 budget is spent to support local industries.