Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that Nigeria’s real wealth is not its oil or natural resources, but the talent, creativity, and enterprise of its citizens. He made the remarks during the Made in Naija Trade Exhibition, organised by the House Committee on Commerce.
Represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Shettima highlighted that the nation’s global standing will ultimately be determined by the quality and competitiveness of locally produced goods.
“There is nothing that showcases the pride of a nation more than the skill and creativity of its people. Our future relies on their ingenuity,” he said.
The exhibition, according to the Vice President, reflects a shared commitment between government and the private sector to elevate Nigerian-made products to international standards. While Nigeria is rich in oil, minerals, and fertile land, Shettima stressed that true value comes from what citizens can create and transform from these resources.
He urged Nigerians to support local products, saying that purchasing Nigerian goods not only strengthens the economy but also creates jobs, supports entrepreneurs, and reduces reliance on imports.
Shettima praised Nigerian achievements across sectors such as agro-processing, technology, manufacturing, architecture, and the creative industries, but noted that consistent patronage and quality standards are crucial for long-term growth.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for policies that encourage local production. He described the exhibition as an important step toward industrial growth, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Tajudeen highlighted the Nigeria First Policy, which prioritizes procurement of local goods by government agencies, as a key driver for economic revival.
Hon. Ahmed Munir, Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, projected that replacing major imports with local alternatives could save Nigeria up to $20 billion annually and create more than five million jobs by 2030. He noted that the non-oil sector is expected to contribute an additional 5% to GDP within five years.
Munir also outlined ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen industrial competitiveness, including regulatory reforms and AfCFTA implementation, describing the country’s industrial development as being built “brick by Nigerian-made brick.”
