When we think of “Made in Nigeria,” too many of us still imagine cheap knock-offs and “aba made” products that can’t compete globally. But what if that mindset is costing us more than just local pride? What if it’s costing us opportunities, especially for young Nigerians?
That’s exactly what the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is trying to change. At a recent stakeholders’ engagement in Akure, the agency raised a major concern: Nigerians aren’t buying Nigerian-made products. And that’s a big problem for a country full of unemployed or underemployed youth looking for a way forward.
Creating Opportunities
NASENI has moved quickly from concern to action as the agency is developing real solutions with young Nigerians in mind; creating jobs in tech and electronics, and training youth in hands-on manufacturing. It’s all part of a growing ecosystem where innovation leads to employment. With the rising cost of imported goods due to increased export tariffs, building local alternatives has become not only smart but necessary.
According to NASENI’s Deputy Director of Engineering, Joseph Alasoluyi, the agency has already trained over 50 participants in the production of handmade items; just a fraction of what’s possible. “We are committed to encouraging homegrown technologies,” he said, adding that their strategy revolves around the 3 Cs: Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation.
That means:
- Creating new solutions through local research
- Collaborating with schools, industries, and the government
- Commercialising those solutions so they actually reach the market
And when things reach the market? Young people get jobs, not just as workers, but as creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs.
From Imported to Indigenous
NASENI’s efforts go beyond product development; they’re about creating pathways for a thriving local economy. By focusing on homegrown technology, the agency is setting the stage for industries to grow, providing young Nigerians with a wealth of job opportunities in emerging sectors
Solar irrigation systems, locally made laptops, tablets, machines that can produce 1,000 blocks per hour, electric tricycles, and even cars; these aren’t just projects, they’re pipelines. Each product represents an industry waiting to be scaled, and jobs waiting to be filled.
The problem? These opportunities won’t reach the youth if Nigerians keep choosing imported goods over local ones.
Why We Need to Change Our Mindset About Nigerian Products
Many Nigerians still believe that if it’s local, it’s low quality. But the truth isn’t that simple. NASENI and other agencies are producing high-quality alternatives, but they face a trio of challenges:
- Public Perception – The “abroad is better” mindset runs deep.
- Affordability – Locally made products often cost more upfront due to production challenges.
- Visibility – Many Nigerians don’t even know these innovations exist.
So it’s not about pride, it’s about power; the power to choose products that grow the local economy and build a future for young innovators.
What the Experts Are Saying
At the event, voices from academia and industry echoed the same concern: we can’t build the Nigeria we want without investing in local innovation. Professor Samuel Oluyamo of FUTA highlighted how research is often left hanging due to lack of funding. “Until we scale up research into mass production, technological growth will remain elusive,” he said.
Others like Adekole Adetokunbo from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stressed the need for strategic branding and consumer education. Simply put, we need to hype our own.
Even the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) pointed out that Nigerian-made electrical cables outperform many foreign brands, but nobody trusts them. Why? Weak policy support and poor marketing.
So, What’s in It for You?
If you’re a young Nigerian reading this, here’s the part that matters most: this is your lane.
- Are you into tech? There’s space in local electronics and energy solutions.
- Got hands-on skills? Learn to build, fix, and improve local tools.
- Into business? Start sourcing and selling Nigerian-made products, or offer branding services to companies that make them.
- Creative? Use storytelling, content, and design to rebrand “Made in Nigeria” for your generation.
If you’re ready to learn a skill, whether it’s coding, manufacturing, or anything in between, Inside Success Nigeria is here to support you with industry mentorship and guidance. As you grow your skills and career, you’ll also play a part in solving one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges: getting more people to believe in and buy local. So, subscribe here to get started, stay inspired, and be part of the movement to build a stronger, locally-driven Nigeria for yourself.
We can’t keep waiting for foreign solutions to fix Nigerian problems. Our future is already being made here, we just need to support it, scale it, and sell it.
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