by Ayo Akinfe
As we await the formation of the Federal Executive Council this week, I hope Tinubu realises that he needs a team that can make Nigeria self-sufficient regarding the manufacturing of the following basic consumer items within the next four years
[1] Steam irons
[2] Wristwatches
[3] Mobile phones
[4] Laptop computers
[5] iPads
[6] Plasma Television sets
[7] Refrigerators
[8] Handbags
[9] Generators
[10] Bicycles
[1] I do not think it is asking too much for us as a nation to produce 50m units of each of these items annually
[2] No doubt there are a lot of prototypes out there but alas, how do we get from prototype to mass production?
[3] This is clearly the biggest weakness of the Nigerian economy. Our president cannot invite say a dozen manufacturers to Aso Rock and tell them he wants 2m units of any of these items within three months and be guaranteed delivery
[4] When I look at our constant running to China for the most basic things, it is easy to see why. There is a total lack of manufacturing capacity in the Nigerian economy.
[5] From what I can see, the only company in the whole of the country with the capacity to mass-produce, say 1m units of any product is Innoson Motors
[6] Why has someone like Dino Melaye not been asked for instance to invest his immense wealth in manufacturing?
[7] My advice to President Tinubu would be to make the recruitment, production and support of manufacturers his main priority for now during his first four years
[8] I do not see how else we will end this import dependency without such an aggressive programme. All the federal government needs to do immediately is provide security and power to kickstart the programme
[9] With crude oil on the way out, we simply need to produce what we consume. If we cannot produce these items, then we simply have to stop using them
[10] I also want to see the Tinubu administration launch a national reorientation programme that will get Nigerians to stop consuming luxury items we do not manufacture. We have not earned the right to such goods. As far as I am concerned, such shameless and unbridled consumerism is economic sabotage as it makes us perpetually import-dependent
