#MadeInNigeria Campaign Is Good But… Reuben Abati

By Gilbert Alasa.

Former Chairman of The Guardian newspapers, Dr. Reuben Abati says the Made in Nigeria campaign presently championed by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, would fail without a culture of quality assurance among local manufacturers.

In his commentary titled: “The Made In Nigeria Campaign” Abati noted that the campaign is not new, adding that several administrations have made similar efforts to encourage local manufacturers in Nigeria.

“Virtually every government has tried to promote Nigerian goods. And there is certainly no doubt that there is a lot of entrepreneurial talent out there in Nigeria, a gift for innovation and a capacity to aspire,” he noted.

“The second lesson has to do with quality and standards. The recent debate has been about indigenous patronage as a test of patriotism. I don’t think that is the right focus. People like quality. In a capitalist system, they will make their own decisions and choices with the capital at their disposal. And we shouldn’t be talking as if Nigerians should produce made in Nigeria goods to be consumed only by Nigerians, whether good or bad.

“It is good to buy Aba-made, but our ladies who are used to Hermes and Louis Vuitton are not likely to trade their designer bags for Nnamdi bags, except the latter can compete and become a global brand.

The campaign, which is also supported by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar and a crowd of online crusaders.