Can campaign for 'made in Nigeria goods' succeed?

The Nigerian government has been pushing for the patronage of locally made goods as part of its campaign to boost domestic production and reduce dependency on imports. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Dr. O'Beara Madi, Director-General of the Africa Center for Supply Change, shared his perspective on how the government can better drive this campaign amidst challenges in the economy. Dr. Madi highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and informed policy-making in driving the campaign for 'Made in Nigeria' goods. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to restrictions on imports, stating that while some items may need to be banned to promote local production, stakeholders should be consulted to avoid unintended consequences. One of the key challenges identified by Dr. Madi is the lack of awareness and consumer behavior change. Despite the government's efforts to promote local substitutes, many Nigerian consumers still prefer imported goods due to perceived quality and status symbols. Dr. Madi suggested that economic realities and circumstances would play a crucial role in driving consumer choices towards locally made products. On the exports front, Dr. Madi underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria's export base beyond oil to strengthen foreign exchange earnings. He called for tangible strategies and impactful initiatives to promote non-oil exports, particularly focusing on sectors like agriculture and solid minerals. Dr. Madi emphasized the need for supportive policies, incentives, and infrastructure to enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investment in non-oil export sectors. In conclusion, the campaign for 'Made in Nigeria' goods faces multifaceted challenges ranging from policy implementation to consumer behavior and export diversification. Dr. Madi's insights shed light on the complexities involved and the need for a strategic and collaborative approach to realize the vision of a self-reliant and export-oriented Nigerian economy.