The recent outcry by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) over the poor patronage of locally manufactured products once again draws attention to a longstanding issue stalling Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo State, NASENI’s Deputy Director of Engineering, Mr Joseph Alasoluyi, rightly lamented the Nigerian public’s preference for foreign goods over homegrown alternatives — a national habit that continues to undermine local innovation, discourage domestic production, and perpetuate economic dependence.
The crux of the matter is not just consumer preference, but also a fundamental failure of policy implementation and political will. It is, frankly, ironic for the Federal Government to express disappointment over low patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods when its own institutions often neglect to patronise indigenous brands. The government’s inconsistent support, both in policy and practice, for local manufacturers is a significant contributor to the current disinterest in Nigerian-made products.
For Nigeria to truly unlock the potential of its industrial sector there must be a clear and strategic prioritisation of locally manufactured goods. This begins with the government leading by example. A case in point is the automotive industry. Indigenous carmakers such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Nord Motors have made commendable strides in producing quality vehicles that meet national transportation needs. Yet, successive governments continue to favour imported vehicles, particularly Japanese and German brands, at the expense of homegrown alternatives.
This preference is not only economically damaging but also a blow to national pride.
In the past, companies like Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) thrived due to government patronage, providing thousands of jobs and stimulating local capacity. The withdrawal of such support led to their decline, a cautionary tale that must not be repeated with current manufacturers. Supporting indigenous industries through government procurement is not mere charity — it is a strategic investment in national economic resilience.
Moreover, the business environment in Nigeria remains hostile to both local and foreign investors. Poor infrastructure, erratic power supply, multiple taxation, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and insecurity have driven away even the most resilient foreign firms. If well-established international companies are exiting the country, one can only imagine the struggles of domestic manufacturers. The Federal Government must take deliberate steps to improve the ease of doing business by simplifying regulatory processes, offering tax and tariff breaks, and providing targeted subsidies to support critical sectors.
An important part of this conversation is the weak linkage between research institutions and industry. Mr Alasoluyi’s comments highlight a worrying trend: many academic innovations and research outputs are left uncompleted or uncommercialised due to inadequate funding and limited collaboration between academia and the private sector. For innovation to flourish, the government must establish and fund mechanisms that connect research to real-world application — transforming ideas into tangible products and services.
At the same time, Nigerian manufacturers must also accept part of the responsibility. To win the trust and loyalty of Nigerian consumers, there must be a consistent drive to improve quality, packaging, and service delivery. Quality assurance should not be compromised, and innovation must be at the core of production strategies. Only by offering competitive alternatives to imported goods can local industries hope to change public perception and increase market share.
It is crucial that Nigerians — from policymakers to consumers — begin to see the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products as both a patriotic duty and an economic imperative. Beyond the obvious benefits of job creation and industrial development, promoting local content reduces our import dependence and strengthens the naira. Every time a Nigerian product is purchased, it supports a value chain that feeds directly into national prosperity.
If Nigeria is to build a self-reliant and globally competitive economy, then the time to support and prioritise made-in-Nigeria products is now.
