Importers can turn manufacturers

There are indications that the Nigeria government may sooner or later stop the importation of some goods into the country to boost local production in response to the pressure of local producers and patriotic Nigerians of  which I am one.

My lecturer in the University once asked me, "can importation of some goods fully stop with all these smuggling into the country through our porous borders". I answered that it is possible if importers become manufacturers.

The way to do this is for importers to gather enough information as necessary on that particular business if he/she is financially buoyant enough to start alone or as partners with others. Importer may also suggest a joint venture to the manufacturer to come establish in Nigeria where they can grow more easily especially with the availability of cheap labour. Either ways, we would have taken some people off the unemployment market thereby reducing the number of the unemployed. We would have allowed for the circulation of the naira and such its appreciation until it becomes a recognized world currency (naira is currently not listed in world currency).

When an importer becomes manufacturer, variety will be introduced into the market thereby contributing to economic growth because many sectors will be affected by that singular act, the farmers, the packaging sector, printing press, transport services etc. Take for example, Chief Obi Ezeude of Beloxxi was once an importer of cream crackers, instead of smuggling the cracker into the country, he starter his. Today, he has employed over a thousand Nigerians and currently contributing to the national GDP. www.bakerybazar.com/2010/.../obi-ezeude-ceo-beloxxi-industries-ltd.html. Many examples of such Nigerians who turned from importers to manufacturers abound. Join their league.