Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting locally made goods as a means of boosting Nigeria’s economy and fostering self-reliance Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), which featured the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon themed “Nigeria First: Patronizing Made-in-Nigeria Products,” Odey said the initiative aligns perfectly with Governor Otu’s People First mantra, describing it as “a clarion call for our collective survival and economic liberation.”
He highlighted the state’s industrial and agro-based achievements, citing cocoa plantations in Ikom, rice fields in Ogoja, rubber estates in Akamkpa, and the growing oil palm sector. He also noted the government’s preference for Innoson vehicles and the distribution of over 100 locally made mini tractors to farmers.
Odey added that Cross River State is creating an enabling environment for manufacturers through tax incentives and improved logistics around the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the state’s air terminal. He urged other states to embrace the Nigeria First philosophy, stressing that “each time we choose a locally made product, we strengthen our national pride and economic future.”
In his address, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, announced plans to enhance the visibility of Made-in-Nigeria products in public procurement, particularly in sectors such as uniforms, hospital supplies, cables, meters, packaging, and pharmaceuticals.
He disclosed that by December 2025, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement, will issue guidelines specifying documentation required when imports are chosen over certified local alternatives.
The President stressed that the Nigeria First policy is not a mere slogan but “a disciplined way to spend, procure, and compete,” reaffirming that government procurement will henceforth prioritize quality Nigerian products.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, commended the Tinubu-led Federal Government for inaugurating the Industrial Revolution Working Group (IRWG), describing it as vital to the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Industrial Policy. He noted that the Nigeria First policy has the potential to boost the manufacturing sector and enhance citizens’ welfare, adding that Cross River State has already begun the process of legislating the policy. Meshioye expressed optimism for continued collaboration toward the prosperity of the state and the nation at large.
Delivering the keynote address, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, represented by Engr. Ahmed Mansur, President of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), emphasized the vital role of domestic production in driving economic growth, noting that manufacturing has one of the highest multiplier effects on GDP. He urged that the Nigeria First policy be directed toward achieving industrial self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the MAN Award to Governor Bassey Otu as the Champion of Made-in-Nigeria Products.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
