Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, met with Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), to promote the growth of local factories and made-in-Nigeria products.
The meeting, attended by Senator Ede Dafinone, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, focused on developing local content, investing in local manufacturers, and strengthening homemade products to boost the economy and create jobs for youth.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the need to support local manufacturers and promote made-in-Nigeria products, highlighting the potential of local products like handwoven fabrics (Kitipa) for producing shoes for military and paramilitary personnel, reducing importation and boosting the economy.
She stressed the need to create a market for local manufacturers, providing training on accessing markets and branding products for international export. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cited successful international partnerships, suggesting Nigeria could partner with international brands like Prada or Louis Vuitton to boost its leather industry, creating revenue and downstream sectors.
The lawmaker criticized the government’s ‘50,000-era enterprise’ initiative, stating it does not effectively support local industries. She emphasized the need for agencies like SON and NAFDAC to be more accessible and responsive to small-scale businesses.
By harnessing local content, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan believes Nigeria can create more jobs, reduce importation, and boost the economy. The SMEDAN boss promised to create a viable market for local content industry by working closely with the National Assembly to encourage local manufacturers and boost local products.
