A parliamentary committee has pledged to strengthen legislative protections for local manufacturers, identifying them as crucial to the nation’s economic transformation.
The commitment was made during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to a leading indigenous electrical cable manufacturer in Anambra State.
The Committee which was headed by Mrs Boma Goodhead praised the facility’s advanced technology, high manufacturing standards, and adherence to local content principles.
“From what we have witnessed today, it’s clear that Nigeria has the capacity to produce world-class industrial materials locally,” said Committee Chairperson Mrs. Boma Goodhead. “This facility is a shining example of Nigerian ingenuity and resilience. Its commitment to value addition and import substitution sets a benchmark for industrial growth.”
The delegation toured the manufacturing plant to assess its production capabilities and alignment with national goals for industrial transformation and job creation. The visit is part of a broader initiative by the National Assembly to support high-performing local industries.
Chairperson Goodhead emphasised that the legislature is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directives for government agencies to prioritise locally manufactured goods, particularly in critical sectors like oil and gas, power, and infrastructure.
“We are sending a clear message: the era of over-dependence on imported cables and electrical components is coming to an end,” she declared. “With the right policy support, indigenous manufacturers can compete globally.”
Other committee members echoed this sentiment, assuring manufacturers of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary legislative frameworks to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The visit received backing from the Anambra State Government. The State Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, said the event aligned with the state’s industrial development policies aimed at expanding the manufacturing base and attracting investment.
A chief executive at the facility, Mr John Ezeobi, described the lawmakers’ tour as “special and historic,” noting that it provides a platform for deeper engagement between indigenous manufacturers and major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He highlighted efforts to keep cable prices competitive to discourage substandard imports but called for stronger financial support and greater visibility in federal procurement systems. “To truly scale and meet national demand, we need facilitated access to funding,” he stated, adding that such support would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign goods.
The visit underscores a renewed momentum in Nigeria’s push for economic self-reliance and technological advancement through local enterprise.
“Together, we envision a future where Nigeria’s industrial capacity defines our economic strength, ”Goodhead concluded.