Governments at all levels have been urged to introduce and enforce the use of local content in their contracts, and consider universal use of locally manufactured goods.
Deputy President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture-KADCCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, made the call while briefing newsmen on the level of preparations for the forty-sixth Kaduna International Trade Fair, held at the Chamber Secretariat in Kaduna.
Alhaji Farouk Suleiman stressed the need for specific incentives and encouragement, particularly in the areas of electricity tariff and provision of single digit finance facility for local manufacturers to thrive within the African Continental Free Trade Agreement framework.
He noted that the continuous imposition of various taxes on businesses would rather aggravate Nigeria’s economic situation.
Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, who is also the Chairman, Trade fair main organising committee, said for Nigeria’s economy to move forward, serious attention should be accorded to the digital economy, as a fundamental aspect of development.
He pointed out that KADCCIMA is envisaging a moderate turnout from both local and international participants, in view of the prevailing economic circumstances.
Alhaji Farouk Suleiman explained that the Chamber had made contacts with manufacturers, producers, fabricators, distributors and marketers from within and outside the country.
He maintained that policy makers at the federal and state ministries of commerce, Nigerian missions abroad, foreign missions in Nigeria as well as relevant stakeholders have also been contacted.
The Chairman, trade fair main organising committee added that some companies from countries like Bangladesh, India, Niger Republic and Pakistan have already signified keen interest to participate.
According to him, the trade fair with the Theme:Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Trade and Agriculture through Digital Transformation is scheduled to hold from fourteenth to the Twenty-third of February this year.
Usman Sani.
