By Ignatius Chukwu & Onyeche Igwe
Organisers of ‘Project Make-in-Nigeria’ say the scheme is boosting huge interest in local production, and that some hitherto imported products are now made in Nigeria, especially in Port Harcourt.
This is as the 2024 edition being the 14th cycle has kicked off in Port Harcourt at the Autograph Even Centre on Abacha Road.
The scheme, which is a national annual event is designed to encourage local production as against dependence on imported goods.
The Convener, Pastor Uche Onochie, who is also the Publicity Secretary of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), said: “This is the 14th year. It’s been great. We thank God because every year God adds one thing, one business, one sponsor, one partner. So we are really grateful. The turnout increases every year. It’s become like a household name in some areas.”
Onochie noted that Make In Nigeria has an institute called “Making Nigeria Enterprise and Leadership Institute” and that they are trainers.
He said: “A lot of businesses have started, especially in River State, and they come back to us. So, we have network. We have access, WhatsApp groups and all that, where we get to know what is happening. So that way we assess ourselves by the people, lives we’ve been able to impact. And I must tell you, we’ve impacted thousands over these 14 years.”
“The economy has affected us because everything we do here is free, apart from those that are renting exhibition booths. So for us to be able to do it, it has to be sponsorship driven, either by individuals or companies. So, it does. We lost a lot of sponsorship but we’re also grateful that God brought one or two sponsorships.”
“The thing is, once you’re willing, like the Chinese say, when the student is ready, the master shows up. When you’re ready, determined, and you don’t let economy and things weigh you down or stop you in your track, what happens is that help will come.”
“During these six days we are going to discuss about what we can do to produce in Nigeria, to make in Nigeria? China did it, many countries have done it. So, I think maybe it’s our turn,” he added.
Onochie is also the Group Managing Director of Madisson Energy Group and the President of Marketplace Apostles International.
He said there is the need for orientation. “We need to encourage everyone to start patronizing Made in Nigeria goods. And we need to all be patient until the quality of Made in Nigeria goods gets to that level that we are seeking. Because Rome was not built in a day, so it’s gradually, step by step, I believe we’re going to get there.”
When he was asked if there is anything the government can do to encourage the orientation process, he replied: “There is the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) which is in charge of the local content development, and they are doing a lot to encourage local capacity development. And I believe that if we encourage them and if we support them, we’re going to get to that level where the local capacity will be enough to produce what we can use. Both in the industry and also even for outside of Nigeria.”
What Nigeria must do, now:
The 2024 conference tried to stir the enthusiasm of Nigerians in what is made in Nigeria and how to trigger it.
It was made clear that Nigeria must make a declaration on local manufacture if it wants to survive in the coming years, an oil industry expert has warned.
Oil industry experts also revealed why oil products appear expensive in Nigeria, saying it is due to high level of theft and vandalism that require operators to recover cost.
Speaking as special guest, Engr Obi Imemba, executive director, JV Asset of Total Energies, made it clear why there is difficulty in Nigeria. He said it is because of too much importation which he said puts too much pressure on the Naira against the Dollar and against some other foreign currencies.
As way out, Engr Imemba urged Nigeria to declare local production as a national mandate. “Let Nigerians resolve to consume and appreciate goods made in Nigeria.”
He gave steps toward self-sufficiency thus: “Invest in skills and harp less on classroom talk or theory. You are paid for your skills, not your talent. So, convert talent to skill (and cash out). It is skill you use to produce things. So, develop your talent, fine tune it.”
He said TotalEnergies has invested in skills in their host communities and that they came to the exhibition with domestic and industrial items they produce under entrepreneurship. He said many of them have excelled in IT.
He went on: “Innovation is key and Nigerians must find our own unique needs and ways. Other countries have gone far in industrialization and so their products may look more advanced and polished but Nigerians must appreciate their own locally produced items. That is the only way to encourage growth of locally made products. We cannot jump and overtake others who started far ahead of us.”
He said key things to do include lending support to local production efforts and fostering partnerships. He said this is why TotalEnergies is partnering with ‘Make in Nigeria’ organization. “We must support young people. Nigeria looks certain to pull through, especially if we adopt the above necessary steps: if we plan and take responsibility.”
He gave insight into the new energy mix, saying: “Why we changed to TotalEnergies is to meet the total energy requirement. Our target is to use all energy sources to meet a time of net zero emission by 2050. That is the sustainable way.
“Energy need is increasing but pollution must stop. Stopping oil/gas abruptly will disrupt life but it has to be done gradually. The UN objective is to reach responsible energy consumption by reducing energy use and re-using what is used, but energy is an important asset of life.”
He gave some sustainability values as reduction, care for others, and affordability. He said the target is to provide energy in sustainable way that is affordable.
Most exhibitors appeared excited and showed innovative products now being made in Port Harcourt. A fabricator, Mr Godstime Handsome, displayed solar products including borehole control switch, changeover alarms, etc.
The rising enthusiasm for Made in Nigeria in the face of biting scarcity and high forex scenario may help restore Nigeria march to industrialization.
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