Ban on foreign goods will strengthen local production – Senator Ndume

Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu for the ban on importation of foreign goods, saying the ban will strengthen local production and create massive jobs as well as promote local contents.

Reacting to the announcement, Ndume said, it’s a healthy development for local contractors and artisans as it will boost their production for local patronage, while he commended President Tinubu for the bold move.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had announced ban on the importation of goods by the administration after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Villa, Abuja.

The Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government has placed a caveat on expatriates coming into Nigeria to execute jobs, which local contractors and artisans can undertake, unless there is convincing justification for it, including express permission from the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

According to Idris, the ban became necessary as it will strengthen the nation’s domestic economy and promote local contents, adding that it was in line with sweeping new policy framework tagged the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy.

In a statement he made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, Ndume stressed that the development would go a long way in promoting indigenous entrepreneurs, boost the local economy and generate employment for Nigerians.

“It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has taken this bold decision to ban imported goods that can be produced locally.

“This will be a major boost for indigenous businesses amid the slipping Nigerian economy.”

“If implemented faithfully, it will shield our local producers striving to find their feet from being choked out of existence by established foreign investors who flood our market, unhindered, with goods that are cheaper and even substandard.”

“With protection of local industries, there will be employment for our employable youths, the measure will also boost our Gross Domestic Product, ( GDP) and the value of Naira will appreciate as their will be less strain on our foreign reserves, since the demand for foreign exchange by importers of such foreign goods would drastically reduce.”

The lawmaker also suggested to the Federal Government to “also impose heavy taxes on some of the foreign goods to discourage Nigerians from buying them and pick locally produced items.”