SGF Akume Urges Nigerians to Embrace Made-in-Nigeria products as a Pathway to Economic Growth and National Pride
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on Nigerians to actively support and patronise Made-in-Nigeria products, emphasizing that doing so should not be viewed solely as an economic strategy, but also as a symbol of national pride and identity.
Senator Akume made this remark in Abuja during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation from the Innoson Group of Companies, led by its Chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, a prominent indigenous industrialist and pioneer in Nigeria’s automobile manufacturing sector.
Addressing the delegation, the SGF underscored the unwavering commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fostering a business-friendly environment where local industries and entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He noted that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive framework designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth. According to Akume, this agenda incorporates deliberate policies aimed at industrialization, local content development, infrastructure revitalization, and job creation, all of which are critical to achieving the long-term goal of building a $1 trillion economy.
“The journey to economic self-sufficiency must begin with the recognition of our own potential,” Akume said. “We have the capacity, talent, and resources to build and sustain world-class industries right here in Nigeria. Patronising locally made goods, like those produced by Innoson, is both an economic necessity and a matter of patriotic responsibility.”
He urged Nigerians from all walks of life — consumers, government institutions, and private sector actors — to consciously support Nigerian-made products, asserting that many of these products, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, are of high quality and globally competitive.
The SGF took the opportunity to commend Chief Innocent Chukwuma for his visionary leadership and relentless efforts in advancing the Nigerian automobile industry through the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company. He acknowledged Innoson’s contributions to technology transfer, skill development, and job creation for Nigerian youths, particularly in the Southeast and beyond.
“Your work is not just building cars — it is building confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity,” Akume stated. “The Federal Government will continue to patronise Innoson vehicles and encourage other institutions and individuals to do the same. Strengthening our local manufacturing sector is essential for national development.”
Chief Chukwuma, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the government’s ongoing support and reaffirmed Innoson’s commitment to producing durable and affordable vehicles tailored to the Nigerian market. He reiterated the company’s vision to expand its operations and become a leading automotive brand across Africa.
The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of support for policies and partnerships that will drive local production, reduce dependency on imports, and unlock Nigeria’s industrial potential in line with national economic aspirations.