By Saint Mugaga

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to deepening support for local production.

Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser, Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said this at the Made in Naija Trade Exhibition organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce on Tuesday.

He said Nigeria’s economic identity and global relevance will be defined by what it creates.

The vice president said Nigeria’s future depends on the creativity, ingenuity, and enterprise of its people.

“There is nothing that advertises the pride of a nation as much as the craft, creativity and conceptions of its people,” Shettima said. “They do more than signal the capability of the people. They serve as a fertilizer of the economy. They nourish every sector and give life to dreams yet to be imagined.”

He said the gathering was more than an exhibition, it was a statement of intent.

“This is both the assurance of our readiness to make Nigerian brands appeal to the world and a promise of the government’s commitment to work with you through this journey of transformation.”

Shettima stressed that the country’s wealth does not lie in oil fields, fertile land, or mineral deposits, but in what Nigerians are able to turn those resources into.

“Our fortune is what we make of these resources, the ambition that turns potential into prosperity. It rests on the shoulders of our most valuable asset, our human capital.”

He highlighted that Nigerian brilliance has already been demonstrated in multiple sectors, from agro-processing to architecture, textiles to technology, and manufacturing to music. But he warned that creativity is not enough if Nigerians fail to support what they produce.

“It is not enough for us to produce. We must patronize what we produce. Every time we choose a product manufactured here, we are making an investment, in a Nigerian entrepreneur, an artisan, a factory worker, a young graduate building a future.”

According to him, buying Nigerian strengthens the naira, supports jobs, reduces dependence on global supply chains, and nurtures a sustainable middle class.

Shettima noted that the target goes beyond self-reliance.

“Made in Nigeria must become synonymous with quality, innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. We have the resources, we have the creativity, we have the human capital. What remains is our resolve.”

The Vice President said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers local creators and producers as essential partners in national renewal, describing his administration as “a dreamland for those who create.”

He outlined ongoing government efforts to make Nigeria a manufacturing and innovation hub, including interventions built to remove barriers and expand market opportunities for MSMEs and local industries.

“Our administration is committed to providing the infrastructure, stable policies and essential finance needed for our local industries to scale up, meet international standards, and proudly export Nigerian excellence to the world.”

He said the government is establishing special economic zones, expanding access to financing, reforming ports, and ensuring certification systems meet global benchmarks.

“With the world’s highest quality, we want the answer to be Nigeria,” Shettima said.

He described the Made in Naija exhibition as a symbolic declaration of confidence in Nigerian talent, and a refusal to let others define the country’s global identity.

“Nigeria is not a country waiting to be defined by others. We are determined to define ourselves. If we remain steadfast, producers and consumers, government and industry, artisans and policymakers,, we will build a Nigeria where Made in Nigeria is not a sentimental choice, but a global reference.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s full support for policies that prioritise Nigerian-made goods, saying the country’s future depends on local production, value addition, and reduced dependence on imports.

Abbas praised the initiative as a timely response to Nigeria’s urgent need for industrial growth and economic self-reliance.

He commended the committee’s chairman, Hon. Ahmed Munir, for conceptualising and delivering the exhibition, describing it as a practical expression of the nation’s industrial ambition.

“Their efforts represent a timely response to the national call for industrial growth and economic self-reliance,” Abbas said.

With the theme “Reshaping the Future of Commerce,” the exhibition aligns directly with Nigeria’s development objectives, the Speaker stated.

He said the country must now shift from an import-dependent economy to one built on domestic production, value creation, and inclusive growth, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers huge opportunities, but only for competitive economies.

“We must position Nigerian goods as competitive, dependable, and reasonably visible,” Abbas noted.

The Speaker also highlighted the significance of the Nigeria First Policy, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and endorsed by the National Assembly.

The policy mandates government ministries, agencies, and institutions to give priority to locally manufactured goods in all public procurement processes.

“Its goal is clear: to boost domestic industrial output, reduce over-reliance on imports, and create sustainable employment,” he said.

Abbas stressed that full compliance is expected, noting that the exhibition itself is evidence of the policy being put into practice.

Recalling his recent visit to China, the Speaker said Nigeria must learn from countries that built global competitiveness through sustained local manufacturing.

“Nigeria must follow a similar path. We need to process our raw materials, add value domestically, and confidently promote Nigeria-made goods in regional and global markets,” he said.

Weakening reliance on imports, he noted, is not only an economic choice but a national obligation.

“Strengthening local production is not just a tactic for survival. It is a duty we owe to the present and future generations,” Abbas declared.

He reaffirmed that the National Assembly has already passed and amended several pieces of legislation targeting industrial growth, ease of doing business, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Still, he cautioned that increased output must not come at the expense of quality.

“Nigerian manufacturers must ensure their products meet global standards. Quality assures credibility, and consumer trust,” he said.

Abbas also urged Nigerians to embrace their civic role in economic development.

“Each time we choose locally made goods, we strengthen our economy and reinforce our identity,” he said. “These decisions are powerful expressions of economic responsibility and national solidarity.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Hon. Ahmed Munir, Nigeria stands on the brink of an industrial and economic rebirth driven by local manufacturing, innovation, and strong legislative support.

Munir said the country must now “forge prosperity with our own hands,” transforming raw potential into globally competitive products made in Nigeria.

He noted that the focus on local content is projected to create over five million new jobs by 2030, shifting Nigerian youths from the unemployment line into factories, workshops, and innovation hubs across the country.

According to him, this shift represents not just economic growth, but the “restoration of the dignity of labour.”

Munir emphasized that substituting key imports with locally made alternatives remains central to stabilizing Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

He stated that by reducing dependency on foreign goods, the country could save up to $20 billion annually in foreign exchange, a move that aligns with the strategic priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The lawmaker described the non-oil sector’s expansion as “no longer aspirational, but a policy pillar,” noting that products made in Nigeria are expected to contribute an additional 5 percent to the country’s GDP within five years.

“Our vision extends beyond our borders,” he said. “Nigerian products must be ready to compete not just in Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Abuja, but in London, Beijing, and New York.”

Munir also highlighted ongoing legislative efforts under the 10th National Assembly, led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, including work on the domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which opens access to a $3.4 trillion market.

Other priority areas include establishing a national Weights and Measures Centre and strengthening regulatory frameworks that support industrial competitiveness.

He affirmed that the House remains committed to building a strong economic base “brick by Nigerian-made brick,” with the backing of policies designed to sustain growth, attract investment, and ensure long-term national prosperity.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Acting Executive Chairman, of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Michael Ango, at the weekend reiterated his commitment to  staff welfare and growth.

He made the assurance in Abuja, at an event themed “A Night with Ango”, in recognition of his visionary and exemplary leadership.

Ango also assured them, that he has concluded arrangements to introduce a fully automated, merit-based promotion examination system, improved working conditions across tax offices, and the

procurement of staff buses to ease staff commuting challenges.

 Some of the staff that spoke  described him as a reform-minded leader who has continued to steer the Service toward excellence, institutional growth, and improved staff welfare.

The event, organised by the staff of the Service at the weekend, was an evening of appreciation

and goodwill in recognition of Mr. Ango’s commitment to staff development, administrative transparency, and the ongoing transformation of the organisation into a model revenue institution.

In his remarks, Mr. Ango expressed deep gratitude to the staff for the honour, noting that he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout and the warm reception. He reaffirmed his dedication to building an organisation that prioritises staff

welfare, professional growth, and service excellence.

“I am very honoured and very appreciative of your efforts to appreciate me. When I first resumed, I made a commitment to ensure that staff welfare, particularly salary increments and career progression, remain at the top of our agenda. I

want to assure you that, by the grace of God and with your support, we will achieve these goals,” he said.

The Acting Executive Chairman highlighted key reforms underway within the Service, including plans to introduce a fully automated, merit-based promotion examination system, improved working conditions across tax offices, and the

procurement of staff buses to ease staff commuting challenges.

He also underscored the importance of collective effort in driving institutional success, stating that the vision for the FCT-IRS goes beyond individual

achievements.

“Leaders will come and go, employees will come and go, but the organisation will remain. What we are building today will stand the test of time so that our children and their children can find pride in working here one day,” he noted.

 Ango called on staff to remain committed, united, and optimistic as the Service continues to pursue reforms that will enhance operational efficiency and improve overall productivity.

The event featured goodwill messages, expressions of gratitude, and moments of

camaraderie among staff who commended the Acting Executive Chairman for his humility, accessibility, and dedication to the progress of the organisation.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as the Tax Ombudsman, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025. 

This appointment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing far-reaching and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework.  

 Nwabueze, from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings extensive professional and public service experience to the new job. 

Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Partner of a reputable tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance of the National Assembly, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, among other significant engagements in both the public and private sectors. 

Nwabueze holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.; and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria. 

The President congratulated Nwabueze on this appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of his office with integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism.

The Office of the Tax Ombudsman has been established to strengthen transparency and accountability within the tax system, enhance confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities. 

The Office shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with extant laws and regulations. 

The Tax Ombudsman is further mandated to ensure that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, and non-adversarial manner, thereby safeguarding the rights of taxpayers against the arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials.