The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom,? says that the federal government? is? determined to encourage patronage of? Made – in -Nigeria products.
???????? He made the statement during the visit of Zambia Defence Staff College, Course 11,? led by Brigadier General Bornface Musoba, in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, the minister noted that patronage of Made-in- Nigeria goods would create effective demand , facilitate the expansion of industries and create employment for? the youth in the country.
He stressed that government was concerned about the unemployment situation in the country, adding that the ministry was ready to fast- track employment and wealth creation in Nigeria by providing the enabling environment for local and foreign investors..
Ortom stated that previous policies of government were not investment friendly, however assured that?? the present administration through collaboration with the organised private sector? was? reviewing?? the country’s trade? policies as part of renewed efforts? to boost foreign direct investment.
He said: “We have all that it takes to make this? country great. We have been working with the private sector? to create job opportunities and provide the enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to grow the Nigerian economy.”
In her presentation, the Director, Policy, Standards, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Fumilayo Olumodimu,? said that the ministry was aware of the enormity of the challenge facing it? and that?? it? was? focusing on key areas where the country had comparative advantage in order to create jobs, generate wealth and grow the country’s economy.
?“ The ministry is aware of the enormous challenges facing it with respect to job creation, wealth generation accelerating economic growth and development. We are focusing on agri-businesses and? revitalisation of industries in collaboration? with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) .
Also, we are currently working? on an industrialisation plan for the country?? as part of our strategy? to be No. 1 in Africa and be among the top ten in the world in the agribusiness and agro-allied sector,”she said.?