Manufacturers advocates support from Nigerians

L-R: 2^ND Vice President of Nigeria Indigenous Association of Manufacturers (NIAM), 
Alhaji Bashir Abasu; President of NIAM, 
CEO ERISCO FOOD LTD, Chief Eric Umeofia; Secretary of NIAM, Alhaji Umaru F. Abdullahi and 1^st Vice President of NIAM and 
Chief Executive, Innocent motors, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma
during the association's press briefing
with journalists in Lagos… at the weekend.
                                                    

Photo: Squard Photography.

By: Ebonymediagist 

The president, Nigerian Indigenous Manufacturers' Association, Chief Eric Umeofia has urged Nigerians to encourage local manufacturers by buying the locally made products instead of the imported ones.

He made this known during the association's press briefing with journalists. According to him, Nigerians prefer to buy imported products like rice, tomato paste, amongst others without knowing that some of the products are not nutritious and can be harmful to the health due to various chemicals used in preserving them.

Chief Eric is also the president and Chief Executive of Erisco foods therefore called on Nigerians to put an end to foreign control on the economy by buying only made in Nigeria products.

However, he said that Banks should also join in the advocacy for local production by supporting manufacturers and granting loans to upcoming investors. In addition, he called on the government to set up more industrial estates in order to add more value to the economy.

In his speech, the General Secretary of the association, Umaru Farouk commended the efforts and commitment of Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari in reducing the rate of importation in the country, thereby encouraging local manufacturers to tighten their belts so that they can locally provide the needs of the country.

Furthermore, he stated that the association, as the name suggests, will ensure that more local factories come up in order to make sure Nigeria is independent in production. " The association is for the encouragement of Nigerians to minimize whatever we use, to also make sure that we make very good use of our foreign exchange by selling to ourselves what we manufacture locally, 
he said.

In addition, the first vice president of the association and Chief Executive, Innocent motors, Innocent Chukwuma stated that the association will prove that Nigerians will develop Nigeria. “If you support local production, you are supporting your country. We don't need to rely on foreign manufacturers", he added.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that plans have been made to create awareness for young graduates to know about the association and also assured that their ideas will be encouraged.