Expert offers tips on ways to enhance Made-in-Nigeria campaign

The President, Bervidson Retail Group, and convener of the just concluded annul Retail Leaders’ Conference in Lagos, Mr. Joseph Ebata has said that the ‘Buy Made- in- Nigeria Goods’ campaign can only succeed with Improved retail Footprint.

Ebata, who made this known recently in Lagos, said that, “For the ‘Buy Made-in-Nigeria Goods’ campaign to achieve its aims, the Federal Government must collaborate with the retail industry. The campaign cannot succeed without a meaningful and active support and collaboration with retail to grow store footprint locally, as well as, international.”

According to him,“As a nation, our growth strategy cannot succeed without a sincere commitment to, inclusion of, collaboration with and support for retail industry development and growth. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to rise up to the task of building a strong and prosperous retail industry and nation.”

He said, “I must not fail to commend Government for signing the recent Executive Orders, particularly the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and the most recent development at the Ports.”

“Nigeria is indeed a retailer’s delight with a population of about 170 million people, over 80 million people living in its urban areas. With consumer spending well in excess of $100 billion a year and a fast-growing middle class, Nigeria is definitely the most promising retail market on the African continent,” he noted.
He said that, “The retail industry in Nigeria is transforming and has become the delightsome bride of many entrepreneurs, particularly international retailers and investors seeking to do business in Africa. Nationally, there is momentum on the side of retail industry to become the engine of our national economic growth, especially as, the government actively seek to reposition the nation with emphasis on diversification of the economy.
“What is required is for all stakeholders including and particularly government to support the industry and guide it along the best transformation path so retail can achieve its full potential -contributions to national employment and GDP and growth. However, there are many challenges that the industry is dealing with.”

For him, as the nation limps through the recession, many towns and cities are hurting. “Buy-local” campaigns can help local economies withstand the downturn. For communities, this is a hopeful message in a recession, because it’s not about how much money you’ve got, but how much you can keep circulating without letting it leak out.”

He said that as Nigeria actively drives the diversification of the economy, retail is driving urban regeneration with Ultra-Modern International Mall springing forth in all key cities of Nigeria, noting that with leisure and social opportunities, the Nigerian Retail industry landscape is evolving to provide lifestyle options that drives economic velocity and leads to urban transformation.

He said that retail remains manufacturing’s biggest channel of distribution and best advocates of ‘Made- in- Nigeria Goods’, adding that,”You don’t need to change shoppers’ buying habits drastically overnight to make a difference. Enticing a portion of residents to choose local and independent just slightly more often ultimately yields big dividends for locally made goods.”