News
FG decries penchant for imported products, urges Nigerians to review habit
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, expressed concern over the preference for imported goods, urging Nigerians to endorse and bolster domestic products. He made these remarks during his keynote address at the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair, themed “Promoting Made-in-Nigeria Products for Global Competitiveness.”
Nnaji emphasized that supporting Nigerian-made goods transcends mere economic independence; it reflects national identity and underscores the exceptional quality of domestically manufactured items. He stressed the importance of various sectors striving to meet global standards and foster innovation.
The Minister highlighted how this year’s trade fair theme underscores the significance of job creation, economic growth, and empowering local businesses to excel globally through leveraging distinctive resources and creative capabilities. He linked these objectives to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for renewed hope in the country.
Nnaji underscored the necessity for Nigerian products to adopt a strategy emphasizing quality, branding, and effective market penetration as global markets become increasingly interconnected. He emphasized the unique cultural depth and originality of Nigerian products, positioning them prominently in both local and international markets.
Regarding the Enugu International Trade Fair, Nnaji emphasized its pivotal role in showcasing Nigerian products, facilitating business partnerships globally, and promoting trade diversification. He highlighted Enugu State’s potential across various industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, underscoring the need for investment incentives to harness this potential fully.
The Minister outlined his Ministry’s objectives, which focus on utilizing innovation, science, and technology as catalysts for economic transformation. He emphasized efforts to enhance the quality and attractiveness of locally produced goods, with support from organizations like the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), and the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in advancing local production capabilities.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Humanitarian Crises: Why Nigeria Needs Collective Response – UN Rep, Fall
We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns
Why is Ethiopia just entering 2017 and celebrating a New Year in September?
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
World News11 months agoWhat we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports11 months agoLaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News11 months agoIran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech11 months agoTop 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
ICT1 year agoApple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment11 months agoBET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
Entertainment11 months ago‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela
-
ICT1 year agoApple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro pricing around the world