Executive order on local content boost patronage of Nigerian goods – Minister

Th e Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Aisha Abubakar has said that Executive Order 03 on local content was set to encourage patronage of local manufactured goods and services in Nigeria.

Speaking at one-day stakeholders workshop on Executive Order on Local Content, she said the policy means that all MDAs shall grant preference in the procurement of made in Nigeria products with at least 40 per cent of manufactured goods and services.

Th is according to her would bring huge opportunity for all business in the country to view for government procurement.

Abubakar further said it was necessary for Nigerian businesses to provide a veritable statement as part of their documentation for bidding process to prove the authenticity and quality of the goods to be purchased by MDAs.

She however explained that this verifi able statement was the mandatory confi rmity assessment programme (MANCap) certifi cate issued by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has also upgraded its process, adding that the issuance of mancap is now 60 days for qualifying SMEs.

She stated that the forum was as a result of the positive collaboration between the Bureau of public procurement, the SON and the Federal Government Ministry of industry Trade and investment to ensure the business, women and youth group are all involved in the discussion.

To this end she said the BPP has reduced some of the requirements and simplifi ed the processes for SMEs to bid for government.

Speaking on the overview of the executive order 03, the Director of regulatory and Database, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) .

Aliyu E.  Aliyu said there was need for the country to promote economic diversifi cation and boost non oil exports in the face of global economic realities, promote local industry and stimulate the national economy.

He said Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to the made – in- Nigeria initiative with all view to increasing demand for locally manufactured goods.

He explained that the support of the FGN for local content in public procurement would strengthen the naira , create jobs, expand the country entrepreneurial capacity and lead to greater competition among local manufacturers and service providers, thereby driving down costs and improving quality.

Aliyu also said that the stipulation of the executive order states that all ministries, departments or agencies of the FGN shall grant preference to local manufactured goods and services providers in their procurement of goods and services.

He stated that all solicitation documents shall require bidders or potential manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and consultants to provide a veritable statement on the local content of the goods or services to be provided.

He said made in Nigeria products shall be given overwhelming preference in the procurement of Uniforms and Footwear, food and beverage, motor vehicle, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, information and communication technology, furniture & fi ttings and stationery.

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