By Vivian Emoni

The Organisation of Youths in International Trade and Commerce (OY-ITC), an (NGO), says it is committed to promoting Made-in-Nigeria products to boost economic growth of the country.

The President of the organisation, Dr Chinedu Amadi, made the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Friday.

He said that buying locally made products inject vitality into indigenous industries and contributes to the country’s Gross Demotic Products (GDP) and economic diversification.

According to him, by promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, Nigerians could contribute to the country’s economic growth, job creation, stability and ultimately building a stronger national economy.

“The organisation reinforced the policy of diversifying away from oil and promoting “Made-in-Nigeria” products globally.’’

Amadi said that the OY-ITC’s partnership with manufacturers of finished goods in Nigeria plays a strategic role in promoting local manufacturing.

He said that the strategy was by connecting Nigerian-made products to global markets and value chains.

Amadi noted that the partnership has helped in promoting domestic industrial growth, through export market access for local manufacturers.

According to him, OY-ITC identifies youth-owned and youth-supported Nigerian manufacturers and helps them access international trade platforms such as trade fairs and exhibitions.

“By connecting these manufacturers to foreign buyers, the organisation drives demand for locally produced goods and encourages increased production capacity.

“Local manufacturers receive real orders and inquiries, which motivates them to scale-up production and improve quality standards.

“Participation in international trade shows OY-ITC facilitates exhibition of Nigerian-made products abroad such as in the Houston 2022 Trade Show, Cameroon Trade Show, giving manufacturers global visibility.

He noted that the organisation was guiding the manufacturers through workshops and mentorship, in aligning their products with global standards for packaging, labelling and safety.

He said that the essence was to ensure that Made-in-Nigeria goods meet international requirements, thereby, reducing rejection rates at borders and improving global competitiveness.

“We also help local producers to improve product design, quality control and compliance, making them more competitive.

“Proudly Made in Nigeria” is helping our manufacturers market their goods with cultural and national pride as the effort will as well help in promoting national brand identity,’’ he said.

The president expressed worried that most people don’t patronise Made-in-Nigeria, adding that it was part of the challenge confronting the nation’s economy.

He called on Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria products as such would strengthen local manufacturing, drive technological innovation and further boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He, however, urged the authorities and relevant stakeholders to intensify awareness creation and encourage favourable policies that could boost local production in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu