Editorial: The Negligence Of Made In Nigeria Products 

The government provides the enabling environment for entrepreneurs and ideas to mature and thrive, sometimes financial inducements and subsidies are given to firms and companies to sustain growth.

When the government patronizes local industries, the aim is for the industries to grow, create jobs and ultimately drive the economy. This shows that governments spending on local companies and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.

The recent decision by the Federal House of representatives to order 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members for N5.02 billion negates whatever the government is preaching about patronizing Made In Nigeria products. Last year, the Senate spent N50m each to purchase Toyota Land Cruiser for the 109 distinguished senators, while ignoring Made In Nigeria automobiles.

Truth be told, this is not the first time the Legislature had opted for foreign products over locally made vehicles. If we carry out a survey on the number of governors that are driving locally made cars as their official cars, we will definitely find more Land Cruisers, Lexus and Prado SUVs among their long convoys.

Read Also: Just In: Reps Reject Made In Nigeria Cars, Order 400 Foreign Brands

If we decide to visit Aso Rock the seat of power, how many Made In Nigeria vehicles are we going to find there? How many of our MDAs have a higher percentage of Made In Nigeria vehicles among their fleet? This was not the story about 30 years back.

Nigeria used to have a vibrant automotive industry, the Federal Government used to be a major player in the industry. The government in partnership with international automakers had the Peugeot Nigeria Limited (PAN), Kaduna; Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMCO), Enugu; Leyland Nigeria Limited, Ibadan; Volkswagen Nigeria Limited (VWON), Lagos; Styer Nigeria Ltd, Bauchi; and National truck Manufacturer (NTM), Kano.

Because of mismanagement, incompetence, Nigeria factor that had killed state-run enterprises like Nigerian Airways, these companies that produced more than 170,000 vehicles and 1,000,000 motorcycles went under.

The impact of the collapse of these companies and several other companies made us start importing everything we can import. The once-promising nation became a dumping ground for all manner of foreign goods.

We understand the Federal Government banned foreign-made rice to boost the local rice industry, we are appealing to the Federal Government to extend this gesture to the automotive industry.

The N5.4 billion and N5.02 billion used by the Senate and House of Reps to import vehicles can be injected into our local industry, plus other billions budgeted by the Federal Government (including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies) and 36 state governments, these huge funds will boost the production capacity of our automotive industry, jobs will be created and innovation capabilities will be built rapidly.

Imagine if these huge funds were given to Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing, the impact will be felt by various sectors of the economy.

The Federal Government should walk their talk in their Change Begins With Me: Patronize Made in Nigeria Products and Services. They should stop dancing blues while playing Reggae for Nigerians.