Reps charge MDAs to patronise Nigerian goods

All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have been charged by the House of Representatives to patronise goods manufactured in Nigeria.

It said, on Wednesday, that patronising locally produced goods would help strengthen the production capacity of local industries.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Mojeed Alabi (Osun-APC).

Leading debate on the motion, he said that Nigerians, especially public servants working in government agencies, tend to prefer foreign- made goods to locally-made ones.

He further added that nearly a decade after the enactment of the Local Content Act 2010, the implementation of the law still very slow.

Supporting the motion, Rep. Jimoh Olajide (Lagos-APC) said the idea of patronising locally-made goods would help to rejuvenate the economy and stimulate its growth.

He submitted that a situation where the nation goes to shop for nationals of other countries in sports and other human endeavours was not acceptable.

Also in his contribution, Rep. Rotimi Agunsoye (Lagos-APC) said that the Nigerian nation must ensure that the future of its citizens, especially children was secured, asserting that the time was ripe for Nigerian citizens to come back home and develop the local economy.

The House, presided by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara, unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its committees on finance and public procurement to ensure strict compliance with the resolution by all MDAs.

Dogara in a humorous manner reminded the sponsor of the motion to abide by the House resolution by wearing locally made caps, as against the one made in Indonesia that he wore.