Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, aligning with the national “Nigeria First” campaign to strengthen the economy and boost self-reliance
Bassey Otu Reaffirms Commitment to Made-in-Nigeria Products, Urges National Adoption of ‘Nigeria First’ Policy
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting locally made products as a strategic path to strengthening Nigeria’s economy and fostering self-reliance.
Governor Otu made this known at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Annual General Meeting in Lagos, themed “Nigeria First: Patronizing Made-in-Nigeria Products.”
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, the governor said the policy aligns perfectly with his administration’s People First mantra and reflects his belief in a sustainable, homegrown economic model.
“This is a clarion call for our collective survival and economic liberation,” Dr. Odey said, stressing that the patronage of local products remains key to achieving national prosperity and industrial growth.
Highlighting Cross River’s significant strides in agriculture and industry, he cited the state’s thriving cocoa plantations in Ikom, rice fields in Ogoja, rubber estates in Akamkpa, and an expanding oil palm sector.
Odey also revealed that the state government has adopted a local motor manufacturing firm to supply official vehicles and had recently taken delivery of over 100 locally made mini-tractors to support farmers across the state.
“Each time we choose a locally made product, we strengthen our national pride and economic future,” he declared, urging other states to adopt the Nigeria First philosophy.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, announced that the Federal Government will soon make it mandatory for all public institutions to prioritize Made-in-Nigeria products in their procurement processes.
He disclosed that by December 2025, the Ministry, in partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), will issue new procurement guidelines requiring public agencies to justify any preference for imported goods over certified local alternatives.
“The Nigeria First policy is not a mere slogan,” President Tinubu stated. “It is a disciplined way to spend, procure, and compete.”
In his remarks, MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the Industrial Revolution Working Group (IRWG), describing it as vital to implementing Nigeria’s industrial policy.
He also praised Cross River State for initiating steps to legislate the Nigeria First policy at the state level and reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to supporting states that champion local content.
The AGM later honoured Cross River State as one of the leading states promoting local manufacturing and indigenous content, applauding Governor Otu’s forward-thinking policies that align with the national vision for industrial revival. Read More
