NSE urges FG to patronise Nigerian firms
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged the government and corporate bodies to promote local content by patronising Nigerian firms.
The President/Chairman-in-Council of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, who made the call at the virtual 2024 Public Lecture organised by the Industrial Division of the NSE said doing so, we are indeed empowering our industries to secure our economic future and create jobs for our young men and women.
She also called on the government to intensify efforts in creating an enabling environment where Nigerian firms can survive and thrive.
She said this includes implementing policies that builds industrial growth, encourage innovation, and ensure access to critical infrastructure.
She said projecting a theme: “Promoting the Competitiveness of Nigerian Firms in Industrialization ” could not have been timelier, given the challenges and opportunities that confront our business environment as we strive for industrial growth and economic resilience.
She said the need to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian firms in the global industrial landscape is paramount.
Also, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Engineers (NIIndE), a division of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Engr Dr David Abu Ozigi said government is expected to provide a conducive environment for the sector
to produce goods with competitive quality and cost.
He said a conducive environment has more to do with the quality of inputs including social and financial infrastructure.
” Ease-of-doing business is the major entrance to industrial competitiveness and failure to address the problems will keep genuine local and foreign businesses at bay or consign them to small and medium-scale levels.
“In respect of physical infrastructure, it must be noted that costs of production continue to rise due to the inability of the government to provide some basic needs for industrial operations.
” A major one, in this case, is electricity. The alternative sources of electricity cannot be as cost effective as one generated via hydro, gas or thermal
“Another physical infrastructure is in the area of transportation. Cargo flights and trains for the movement of raw materials and finished products need to be promoted even at the private sector level.
“There are many states with underutilized airports. These can be used for cargo to
the states and neighbouring states, making transportation easier and faster, thereby
invariably reducing heavy loads on the roads and accidents.
“Evidently, financial infrastructure is a major backbone of industrialisation. A growing business requires funds beyond the entrepreneur. Credit availability in terms of affordability is key,” he said.
