Nigerians spent N6.7 trillion on importation of consumables and household items in 2015, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar stated yesterday.

She spoke in Kano at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Buy Made-in- Nigeria Products” by the Ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

Abubakar declared the staggering amount being spent on importation of goods as unacceptable, saying it is responsible for the campaign to change perception of Nigerians towards patronising locally made products.

She said: “In 2015 alone, over N6.7 trillion was spent on the importation of goods and services for which the nation can produce locally.

“Also, N1.09 trillion was reportedly spent on imported foods and drinks; N1.5 trillion on spare-parts; N123.01 billion on shoes and clothes and N399 billion on household items. Imagine if this had been spent on our local industries.”

Abubakar informed government’s determination to encourage the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by Ministries, Departments and Agencies made Acting President Yemi Osinbajo sign the Executive Order 3, aimed at ensuring that 40 per cent goods procured by government agencies are made locally.

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