Gombe NOA sensitises buyers to Made- In-Nigeria products
National Orientation Agency (NOA), has advised consumers to patronise made in Nigeria goods, adding that the state, country would be financially empowered when products manufactured locally are bought.
Speaking on Thursday, during a media briefing, Gombe State Director of NOA, Adaline Waye Patari said no nation could truly develop when its economy is at the mercy of foreign products.
The Director revealed that the most developed nations of the world are those whose economies are based on production. “This fact underscores the need for the campaign to patronise made-in-Nigerian products and services. Direct consequences include; Dwindling Gross Domestic Product of the country, high rate of unemployment, Industries operating at low capacity and hindrance to growth of local companies and capital flight: low value of naira to other foreign currencies,” She said.
Patari disclosed that the campaign for Made-in-Nigeria became necessary following the negative impact of foreign items to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She added, “This became necessary following the negative effects of patronage of foreign goods on Nigeria’s economy and Nigerians at large. There are many industries and commercial enterprises producing consumable goods and house-hold products. However, not many patronise Nigerians patronise such products.
“The preference for foreign goods is based on claim that such products are superior quality and a status symbol. Although this may not be absolutely wrong, what is worrisome and economically dangerous is to abandon domestic products and depend solely on consumption of foreign products.”
Advising government agencies to emulate NOA by buying Made-in-Nigeria operations vehicle, Patari noted that it would help encourage others to follow suit.
She stated that there was need for manufactures to match foreign standards by giving users quality products.
“I want to commend National Orientation Agency we have official cars from Innoson, made in Nigeria at least NOA is showing good example. Manufacturers putting foreign labels should be proud of Nigeria, they should be patriotic citizens they should be proud of what we have in Nigeria, they should provide quality, if we improve our own they will not bring theirs, don’t cut corners,” Patari said.
