Patronise locally-made goods – FG begs Nigerians

Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has urged Nigerians to prioritise Nigeria made goods.

He said locally produced goods meet high standards and contribute to the nation’s economic strength.

He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the training program for youth and women on FIIRO-developed technologies at Abuja.

The training initiative aims to empower Nigerian youth and women on cassava and potato bread production, mushroom cultivation, cosmetics, date syrup manufacturing, and the conversion of diesel generators to compressed natural gas (CNG).

Nnaji said: “The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is committed to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological base, in alignment with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, which includes fighting poverty, driving economic growth, and fostering job creation.

“Through strategic initiatives, we leverage science, technology, and innovation (STI) to tackle poverty, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.

“Transforming our research, development, and innovation into market-ready products is essential for growth and long-term sustainability. Programs like this training help bridge the gap from research to market, generating foreign exchange and creating job opportunities.

“Programs like this enable the commercialization of research and development products, which aligns with our goals of strengthening the naira and diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

“FIIRO’s technologies support our nation’s youth and women by providing them with skills to create businesses, develop self-sufficiency, and contribute to our country’s socio-economic development.

“To meet our national goals, our ministry has established strategic partnerships, signing multiple MoUs to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources.

“By working closely with regional agencies, we utilise our nation’s resources to drive innovation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

“Our Technology and Innovation Centers serve as hubs where stakeholders in the STI ecosystem come together to enhance R&D applications and foster innovation, supporting Nigeria’s movement towards industrial and economic strength, as envisioned in the President’s eight-point agenda.

“To our trainees, I encourage you to approach this program with dedication, forming innovation clusters that will promote Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy.”

He urged all stakeholders to support the young Nigerians by purchasing their products, ensuring their sustainability and market viability.