*Asks FG to criminalise importation of Àdíre, Kampala
WorldStage Newsonline– The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments to mandate companies to inscribe ” Made in Nigeria” on all goods manufactured in Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Joseph Nwobasi (APGA-Ebonyi) during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
The house said the ministry should work with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), to enforce the resolution.
Moving the motion, Nwobasi expressed concerns that most Nigerian products were difficult to identify due to absence of the “made in Nigeria” inscription on the goods or products.
He stated that this might have a negative impact on the pride, patriotism, and support for local manufacturing, thus, discouraging originality and ingenuity among entrepreneurs.
According to him, if the apathy in inscribing “Made in Nigeria” on goods produced in Nigeria is not checked and corrected, other countries will claim credit for Nigerian goods and materials exported.
This, he said, would hinder its competitiveness in the international market;
Adopting the motion, the house mandated the Committee on Industry to interface with MAN and other relevant bodies to ensure total compliance and adherence.
CRIMINALISE IMPORTATION OF ÀDÍRE, KAMPALA
In another development, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ban and criminalise importation of Adire/Kampala and other locally produced fabrics imitations into the country.
The house said the move became necessary to protect the general local cottage industry and conserve the scarce foreign exchange.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Afolabi Afuape (APC-Ogun) at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
The house urged the Federal Government to promote local Adire/Kampala fabrics production industry in Nigeria, saying it would protect the general local cottage industry and conserve the scarce foreign exchange.
Moving the motion, Afuape said the influx of foreign imitations of Adire/Kampala, tie and dye into Nigeria’s market had negatively impacted the local industry.
This, according to him, has led to a decline in the livelihood of local producers and job losses.
Adopting the motion, the house mandated its Committee on Commerce to collaborate with the National Directorate of Employment to establish formal training and orientation programmes for all local fabrics producers.
The training, according to the house, should be centered on skills, quality control, marketing and business management.
The house urged proper monitoring of relevant agencies charged with evaluating the periodic progress of the Nigerian cottage industry.
The house also mandated the Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values in collaboration with National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign to promote the cultural significance of Adire/Kampala.
