President Muhammadu Buhari says his greatest desire is for Nigeria to move from import dependence to self- sufficiency in local production and become an export-led economy in goods and services.
President Buhari stated this in Abuja at the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme “Made in Nigeria”.
Buhari said the summit would strengthen the relationship between the Federal Government and private sector as its theme lies at the heart of ongoing efforts by the government towards leading the nation through the current “trouble times” and lay a firm foundation for the future.
The president restated that the economy must be diversified so that the country would never again have to rely on one commodity to survive.
“So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, produce most of the things we use and create the right environment for our youths to be able to benefit and create jobs through technology,” he added.
He said this had been the commitment and the mandate of his administration on which, he noted, he had remain focused since assumption of office.
According to him, “There is clearly no better way to achieve this without building an economic foundation of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. Fortunately, we have champions of made-in-Nigeria that have defied the odds over the years to produce locally and contribute to our economy. I understand some of them will be discussing at this event to share their experiences in your inside sessions.”
Buhari expressed the hope that the participants at the summit would, in the end, make useful and realistic recommendations and policies.
President Buhari assured that his administration was already working on
initiatives and incentives that would enhance local production.
He said he encouraged more local production in order to improve ease of doing business environment, transfer technology and innovation capabilities, improve quality and standards, promote export as well as change our old attitudes and behaviours towards made-in-Nigeria products and services.
The president also expressed belief that the summit would bring all stakeholders “on board to stay on the course.”
Buhari, who disclosed that he had instructed his cabinet members to fully participate in the submit, said he looked forward to the feedback on the deliberations.
