We'll Make Nigerians Buy Made-in-Nigeria Products, Says Govt

Abuja — The Federal Government says it intends to make Nigerians look inwards by buying products, especially vehicles made in the country.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said this in Abuja.

Onu explained that it was the only way to make Nigeria a producer country and to encourage local manufacturers to produce and grow the economy.

"We already have made in Nigeria car.

"We want to champion the idea of Nigerians looking inward and thinking Nigeria promoting made in Nigeria products to encourage our own local manufacturers.

"It is very important. That is the only way that we can ever become a producer nation.

"We cannot continue to be a consumer nation alone; it wouldn't help us.

"We must help our own local producers.

"We must all start thinking of how we can do so.

"It shouldn't be only the automobiles; it should be on all products. "

The minister assured Nigerians that the government would ensure that vehicle manufacturers in the country maintained the minimum standard obtainable anywhere in the world.

Onu, however, said the time for the proposed launching of a made-in-Nigeria satellite, earlier planned for 2018, might be extended due to logistic issues.

According to him, space science and technology is a huge asset that a country such as Nigeria should take advantage of.

"Space science and technology has direct impact on agriculture, environment, and health.

"Satellite can help you in education regarding distance learning; also in defence.

"If you have the right satellite to monitor what is happening in areas where there is insurgency, you can now go exactly there and get what you want.

"It is very important to our economy; we just have to ensure that we are not excluded from that," he said.