Nigeria: Lawmaker Declares Nation on the ‘Brink of Industrial Rebirth’

By Segun Ojumu

Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria is standing “on the brink of an industrial and economic rebirth,” according to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Ahmed Munir.

Speaking at the Made-in-Naija Trade Exhibition in Abuja, Mr. Munir, who represents Lere Federal Constituency, championed a national drive to embrace local manufacturing, innovation, and strong legislative backing, stating the country must now “forge prosperity with our own hands.”The lawmaker projected that Nigeria’s renewed focus on local content is expected to create over five million new jobs by 2030. This shift, he explained, would move young people from “the unemployment queue to factory floors, workshops, and innovation hubs,” describing it as a “restoration of the dignity of labour.” Representative Munir highlighted the economic benefits, asserting that Nigeria could save up to $20 billion annually by substituting key imports with domestic alternatives. He confirmed this aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities, adding that expanding the non-oil industrial sector is “no longer aspirational but a policy pillar.” Made-in-Naija products are anticipated to contribute an additional 5% to Nigeria’s GDP within the next five years.

Global Ambition and Legislative Action

Representative Munir stressed that Nigerian-made goods must be able to compete internationally. “Our vision extends beyond our borders,” he said. “Nigerian products must be ready to compete not just in Lagos or Abuja but in London, Beijing, and New York.”He pointed to active legislative efforts by the 10th National Assembly to support this industrial push. These include the domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which provides access to a $3.4 trillion continental market. Other key actions involve establishing a National Weights and Measures Centre and strengthening patent and regulatory laws to boost industrial competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment.

High-Level Support for Local Industry

The government’s commitment was echoed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by Aliyu Modibbo Umar. He commended the legislative leadership and insisted that Nigeria’s global relevance “must be defined by what it creates,” emphasising that “Made-in-Nigeria must become synonymous with quality, innovation, and competitiveness.”Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, praised Representative Munir for delivering the exhibition as a “timely response to the national call for industrial growth and economic self-reliance.” He stressed the necessity for Nigeria to reduce import dependency and build an economy powered by domestic production and value addition. Representative Munir concluded by affirming the Committee on Commerce’s dedication to building a solid economic base “brick by Nigerian-made brick,” ensuring that Nigerian products take their “rightful place on the global stage.”