Abuja: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its pledge to boost Nigerian-made products as a strategy to bolster the country’s economy.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made the commitment when she paid a working visit to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Products Showroom in Abuja on Monday.
Oduwole, who expressed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting Nigerian-made goods, noted that the effort would encourage innovation and drive economic growth and transformation.
While touring NASENI’s innovation hubs and production facilities, the minister celebrated the agency’s progressive model of attracting investors and scaling ideas into practical solutions.
She, however, emphasised the quality, uniqueness and economic benefits of supporting local products. According to her, we have a collective responsibility to buy what we produce and produce what we use.
She also expressed pride in wearing and using Nigerian-made products, noting that NASENI’s work aligned perfectly with the administration’s goal of building a one trillion dollar economy.
“This administration’s goal will come through job creation, enhanced Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and national security.”
Amb. Nuru Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, praised Oduwole’s proactive leadership, adding that the ministry would continue engaging with the agency for strong and better service delivery.
According to him, the synergy between our ministry and NASENI marks a new chapter in service delivery, policy execution and national progress.
Speaking, Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the NASENI, expressed appreciation for the minister’s visit, adding that it was a milestone in public-private alignment.
“We are proud to showcase our capacity not just to innovate, but to meet market demands with the right quality at the right price.
“From energy solutions to vaccine manufacturing, NASENI is delivering products that resonate with Nigerian aspirations and international standards.
“The partnership between the ministry and NASENI is primed to usher in a new industrial era, one that places Nigerian craftsmanship, innovation and pride at the centre of global competitiveness,” he said.
He said the command recovered four vehicles and 17 firearms, including English pistols, a Beretta pistol, an AK-49, locally made pistols and 99 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Other items recovered were 19 phones, six laptops, tablets and various other exhibits. Among those arrested were seven armed robbery suspects who impersonated security personnel.
“On July 30, detectives attached to the Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, apprehended the suspects aged between 42 and 49, involved in several armed robbery cases,” he said.
According to him, their crimes included hijacking fuel tankers and terrorising Lagos and neighbouring states.
“The suspects impersonated security personnel by wearing camouflage uniforms of security agencies,” he added. CP Jimoh said the police also arrested two suspects specialising in car theft.
“On July 17, in the Ogijo area of Ogun, operatives tracked and apprehended a 30-year-old leader of a car-stealing syndicate,” he said.
The suspects allegedly deceived vehicle owners into employing them as drivers, later absconding with the vehicles, dismantling them, and selling the parts. The suspect led operatives to Iba, Lagos, where another member, aged 39, was arrested.
He further led the team to Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, where the stolen vehicle had been dismantled and sold as parts. The commissioner said a ‘one-chance’ robbery kingpin was also arrested, and a vehicle was recovered.
“On July 18, operatives of Ikeja Division intercepted a commercial minibus along Agege Motor Road after a female commuter raised an alarm,” he said. The victim was reportedly pushed out of the moving bus. Three suspects, aged 20, 22 and 53, were apprehended.
A search of the vehicle yielded one Tecno Spark phone, 20 other smartphones, an axe, two interlocking bricks, several heavy stones, and a broken bottle. These items were suspected to have been used in previous assaults.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects lured victims by posing as commercial transporters and attacking them in isolated locations. The police boss added that two suspected robbers were also arrested.
“On July 22, policemen attached to Ketu Division arrested the suspects, aged 21 and 35, during patrol along Ikorodu Road, Mile 12,” he said. He stated that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged in court upon completion.
Jimoh appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for providing modern crime-fighting equipment, technology and logistics.
He also thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for continuous operational support, which had made securing the state much easier.