Akanimo Sampson, Port Harcourt
FG Evalutes Industries In Niger Delta
Promotes Made In Nigeria Products
THE central government of Nigeria has started to evaluate the state of industries in the Niger Delta, the country's main
oil and gas region, with a view to stepping up their campaign for patronage of made in Nigeria products.
Commerce and Industry Minister Chief Achike Udenwa who made this known in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said
he was in the state as part of his efforts to access the level of industries in the oil region and to launch the
campaign for the patronage of made in Nigeria goods in that axis of the country.
Udenwa, while emphasising the need for Nigerians to patronise goods made in their country in a bid to encourage local
producers, also hinted that government was addressing some of the challenges facing local industries such as
availability of constant power.
The minister however, lauded the developmental strides of the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor
Chibuike Amaechi. He noted that much development had taken place in the state since the governor assumed office without
so much noise and urged him not to rest on his oars.
At a courtesy call earlier at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Amaechi had said that patronage of made in Nigeria
goods will enhance the chances of the country to attain greatness by year 2020.
Amaechi, who spoke on Monday when the minister called on him, argued that if Nigerians are not encouraged to buy
Nigerian made goods the industrial base of the country would suffer.
The governor said apart from strengthening the manufacturing sector, such patronage would also help the country to save
the much needed foreign exchange which can be used for other areas of growth and equally create more jobs for the
people.
According to him “now is the right time to patronize Nigerian made goods but those companies whose standards are below
public expectation should be punished to encourage others”.
Governor Amaechi thanked the minister for the choice of Rivers, one of the key oil and gas-producing states, by the
Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the South-South zonal campaign for the patronage of made in Nigeria goods
and assured him of the state government’s support towards the success of the campaign.
ENDS