Association Wants Ban On Importation Of Goods

A Nigerian trade fair con

sortium has called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of goods so as to create a healthy market competition for made-in-Nigeria goods.

The consortium, known as the National Association of Trade Fair Consultants and Contractors of Nigeria (NATFCCON), made the call in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.

The association’s Eastern Region President, Mr Charles Chima, told our correspondent that  the ban would create a better and bigger market for locally-made products.

He said the ban would also help indigenous manufacturers to grow and further boost economic activities in the country.

Chima called on the relevant government agencies to assist local manufacturers with techniques and methods on how they could improve on the quality and packaging of their products.

“In Nigeria today, we have products that can compete favourably with foreign products.

“We have good manufacturers of leather wears, cosmetics, textiles, household items and even more.

“But if they (government) think that some of these products are sub-standard, the relevant agencies should be able to monitor such products and ensure that they are produced to meet the right standards,’’ he said.

Chima stressed the need for Nigerians to encourage indigenous manufacturers through the patronage of local goods.

“The manufacturers will not grow if we don’t patronise made-in-Nigeria goods,’’ he said.

Chima also called on the Federal Government to assist indigenous manufacturers with loans so that their businesses could grow.

He said many of the maunufacturers have brillaint ideas but they could not actualise them because they are hampered by the problem of lack of funds.

“There are lots of them, and they have good business ideas. But due to lack of funds, such ideas will never see the light of the day if they are not assisted,’’ Chima said.

The NATFCCON president, however, decried the non-participation of indigenous manufacturers in the on-going Asaba Trade Exhibition.

“Whereas the fair is meant for them, only one or two are participating,” he said.

Chima disclosed that one major reason for organising the exhibition was to create an avenue for indigenous manufacturers to showcase their products as well as meet the products’ consumers.