MINECng, a consortium of technical partners with relevant skills in the development, establishment and management of micro, small and medium enterprises, (MSMEs) has evolved to support Nigerian entrepreneurs, to develop and brand locally made goods to attract foreign patronage.
The consortium, which has established an office in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, strongly believes that its initiatives and customised trade-based seminars and regional partnerships in the public and private sectors of Nigeria’s economy, would tackle challenges faced by local manufacturers.
Aba regarded as the Japan of Africa, due to the ingenuity of artisans in the city, is the centre of fashion, finished leather goods and fabrication of equipment and tools in Nigeria.
However, these competences are impeded by inadequate infrastructure, lack of raw materials, capital, packaging, multiple taxation, and quality control, among other issues.
To boost local production, Nyerere Anyim, CEO, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, one of the resource persons at a two-day entrepreneurship conference, organised by MINEC to announce its presence in Aba, urged government to address leadership and security challenges faced by the country and institutionalise policies that would enhance the development of the manufacturing sector and markets.
Anyim in his paper titled “The role of idea as we promote Made-in-Nigeria brands to international buyers”, advised local manufacturers to follow good production tenets and solicited local patronage for locally made products that are proudly inscribed Made-in-Nigeria.
He observed that Nigerians over the years, have been overwhelmed by the inability to sustain, harness and explore to its advantage and for posterity their God inspired vision, ingenuity and endowment because they have lived within the limitations of what the society dictates to them, rather than freeing their minds and tapping into opportunities bequest to them by mother nature.
Regan Ufomba, president, Reagan Group, encouraged entrepreneurs to go into partnership so as to share risks with others. He stressed that most businesses fail because their owners prefer to play alone, which often times limit their growth.
He also urged Government to provide incentives for manufacturers to grow their businesses, thereby generating enough revenue to execute projects that would be of immense benefit to the people.
Lawrence Ehilegbu, lead partner, MINECng, told BusinessDay that it is the aim of the group to support local brands to be accepted internationally.
According to him, “This is where our interest is. Our training, conferences, workshops and seminars across Nigeria are tailored towards them. We provide customised manpower development, mentoring and capacity building necessary in ensuring sustained desire to create things.
GODFREY OFURUM
