Promoting locally produced goods: Lessons from the 8th Made-in-Aba Trade Fair

The Eight Made-in-Aba Trade Fair, which began on Monday, November 8 and ended on Monday, November 15, showcased the enormous potential in local manufacturing.

It was a good opportunity for Abuja residents, who were once again confronted with the ingenuity of Aba manufacturers.

The fair, a zonal intervention fund initiative (also known as constituency projects) of Abia South Senatorial District lawmaker Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, was a huge success.

Unlike in the past, where there was a lack of commitment to patronizing locally made goods, the 2021 edition of the fair provided an opportunity for individuals, government agencies, and the business community to embrace the current government’s Buy Nigerian Campaign.

Among those who attended were representatives from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, members of the National Assembly, and Dr. Uche Ogar, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development.

Aside from over 90 exhibitors displaying high-quality products, the trade show provided a more effective and efficient environment for increasing brand awareness and introducing new products.

While the artisans expanded their market, Sen. Abaribe, the facilitator, stated that the 8th edition of the Made-in-Aba Trade Fair was a celebration of success in the advancement of Nigerian-made goods.

According to Abaribe, made-in-Aba products are gaining global acceptance due to improved quality, necessitating the need to increase patronage.

“Our focus is on product finishing and packaging, as well as efforts to improve the quality of goods made in Aba and, by extension, goods made in Nigeria,” he said.

The lawmaker emphasized that the advancements in Aba-made products demonstrate the importance of Nigeria looking inwards to grow its economy.

“Because of the emphasis on purchasing locally made goods, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the general economic downturn, we now have no choice but to look inwards.”

“It is critical that we find a way to avoid spending our limited foreign exchange on importing products that we can make in this country,” Abaribe said.

Dr Dikko Radda, Director-General of SMEDAN, stated that the program exposed entrepreneurs from the Aba business cluster to further development and standardisation of their products in order to meet national and international markets.

According to Radda, the trade fair highlighted MSMEs’ challenges and opportunities, as well as raised public awareness among target participants about the strategic value of participating in the fair.

He reaffirmed SMEDAN’s commitment to support programs aimed at accelerating the growth and modernization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

MSMEs, according to Radda, are the engines of any nation’s socioeconomic transformation, creating opportunities for job creation, wealth creation, and income redistribution.

“The relevance of the sub-sector is probably best illustrated by the following emerging facts from the NBS-SMEDAN National Survey of MSMEs, 2017, which reported an estimated 41,543,028 MSMEs in Nigeria, contributing 49.78% to national GDP” (GDP).

“In addition, the sub-sector employs 76.5 percent of the workforce (or approximately 59.6 million people) and accounts for 7.64 percent of exports,” he said.

SMEDAN, according to Radda, expected to drive more output from the sub-sector with more careful attention to resource deployment and proper management.

While praising South-East ingenuity, Senate President Ahmed Lawan promised an enabling environment to boost the country’s creativity.

Lawan stated that indigenous manufacturing has remained the foundation for the industrial revolution, which has been critical in boosting the country’s economy.

This, he believes, is critical given the role it plays in increasing exports and foreign reserves as well as creating jobs.

The senate president emphasized that the exhibition was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the South-ingenuity, East’s noting that more could be accomplished with the right incentives.

Similarly, Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu urged the Federal Government to put in place the necessary infrastructure to promote the activities of local manufacturers.

While urging the continuation of the annual event, Kalu praised SMEDAN and Abaribe for their contributions to the growth of SMEs in Nigeria.

He emphasized that Aba-made products have the potential to solve many of the country’s problems.

“In Aba, you can make anything.” We are simply requesting that the federal government provide us with electricity in order to increase productivity.

“We can make cars in Aba, and Aba can make anything made in China, but we only need one thing, light, and nothing else, and you will see the wonders of Aba,” Kalu said.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu, spokesman for the House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of governments at all levels providing the infrastructure required to promote SMEs in Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of infrastructure, such as electricity and manufacturing machines, in boosting the activities of SMEs.

While praising the artisans for displaying high-quality goods at the event, he urged them to always be good ambassadors of the made-in-Aba brand.

Kalu praised Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his support for made-in-Aba products and urged Nigerians to buy locally made goods, describing it as a sure way to support SMEs.

The event, without a doubt, sparked excitement among the exhibitors, who reported that they made good sales and that their expectations were met.

Mrs Comfort Herbert, owner of Commy Fashion and Design, expressed delight at being a first-time attendee at the event.

“I was hesitant to come to Abuja as an exhibitor, but after seeing all the plans and provisions on the ground, I am glad I did not miss out on this great opportunity to showcase my product and talent,” she explained.

Mr Chinatu Nwagbara, Chief Executive Officer of Chinatu Company Limited, dealers in handmade footwear, emphasized the importance of increased publicity in future editions, stating that it was critical in raising awareness and attracting more patronage.

“The turnout was impressive, and the event venue was well located and secure,” said Mr Ernest Cosmos, CEO of FRESH Boutique.

Some customers praised the products and thanked the organizers for a smooth event.

They were both ecstatic about the low prices.

Mrs Treasure Adeyinka, a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) employee, described the products as exceeding expectations and very affordable when compared to regular store prices.

“This demonstrates that Nigeria is progressing.” Our products are visually appealing enough to be exported and sold in other countries. We should be proud of our craftspeople.

“The trade fair is an eye-opener for anyone who cares about Nigeria, and serious efforts must be made to make made-in-Aba products a first choice for all,” said another customer, Kabiru Mohammed.