The pre-launch press briefing of the Federal Government’s “Made in Nigeria” Project Office (MAINPRO) in November 2024 has brought about a strategic emphasis to the global opportunities to be derived from entrepreneurship and local content development in Lagos State.
This was disclosed on January 16, 2025 in Lagos when the State Coordinator, Barr. Titi Akosa, hosted a forum of community, market and business representatives; associations and community development organizations within Lagos State to reaffirm the bold vision of MAINPRO and its Lagos state coordination office towards promoting Nigerian products on the global stage.
According to Barr Akosa, who is also the South West Regional Coordinator of MAINPRO, the program, domiciled under the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) of Nigeria, seeks to transform Lagos into a thriving hub for export, leveraging its status as a special economic interest zone.
Local Leadership and Community Engagement
At the heart of the state MaINPro is the upcoming appointment of local government coordinators who will serve as the bridge between the project and their communities. Each coordinator will work within familiar areas and seek crucial support from community leaders, including the local government chairmen to facilitate their activities. To prepare them for this critical role, training sessions on product packaging, marketing, and international standards are set to be implemented, alongside specialized workshops in collaboration with various development partners.
During the meeting, the importance of grassroots mobilization was emphasized, with aspiring coordinators urged to engage with local producers, sensitizing them on meeting export standards and tapping into the global demand for Nigerian goods such as coconut products, fashion, food, and fabrics.
Opportunities for Growth and Global Exposure
The initiative offers coordinators the chance to participate in international exhibitions and directly showcase Nigerian products to global buyers. A flagship Made in Nigeria exhibition is planned in Lagos before the end of the year, providing a platform to highlight the state’s export potential.
The program also focuses on addressing challenges in exportation, including standardization, packaging, and compliance with international regulations. By equipping coordinators with these skills, the initiative aims to position Nigerian products as competitive players in global markets.
Economic Empowerment through Innovation
Beyond exports, the meeting explored investment opportunities in various sectors, including real estate, online businesses, and social media marketing. Coordinators were encouraged to identify market gaps, support local entrepreneurs, and promote innovative solutions to drive economic growth. Success stories of young Nigerian entrepreneurs were shared as inspiration for how the Made in Nigeria initiative can foster sustainable development.
Driving Community Validation
The role of potential coordinators’ beyond administration was also highlighted. They would be tasked with building trust and excitement within their communities, validating the program’s objectives through meaningful engagement and collaboration. From sensitizing local producers to connecting them with export opportunities, coordinators are projected to be central to making the Made in Nigeria vision a reality.
Building a Resilient Economy
The Made in Nigeria initiative is more than a government program; it is a transformative movement to redefine how the world views Nigerian products. By empowering local coordinators, investing in training, and prioritizing export readiness, the initiative aims to build a self-sufficient economy that thrives on innovation and resilience.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as stakeholders committed to advancing the initiative’s goals. They also sought the prompt take -off of the initiative in Lagos a well as the recruitment of community coordinators.
Together, participants at the forum pledged they would support the intention of Lagos MainPro to turn Lagos into a global export powerhouse, while uplifting local communities and creating sustainable opportunities for all.
iu4h2u
hj9hk6