Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Monday in Abuja assured local manufacturers of Federal Government’s patronage in 2016.
Saraki, who spoke while inaugurating the Made In Aba Trade Fair, said that the Senate would also support manufacturers through policies that would ensure government’s patronage.
Saraki restated the commitment of the Senate to amend the Procurement Act in favour of local manufacturers, adding that it would also ensure that military and paramilitary booths were locally sourced.
“I am here because I fully support this project and I commend all the manufacturers of these products, you are pace setters in this country.
“As a country, we have no choice than to give you the full support that you have worked for, that you deserve and you will have.
“I am standing before you this afternoon, along with my colleagues, to give you the assurance that today we open a new chapter for the support of made in Nigeria goods in this country.
“I want you to hold me to my words because one of the first steps that we are going to take is to amend the Procurement Act to ensure that government patronises you.
“I shall work with my colleagues to ensure that the `May’ in the Procurement Act is replaced with `Shall’ so that we can start this journey to ensure made in Nigeria goods are patronised,” he said.
He commended Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who is the brain behind the fair for his vision in promoting locally made goods in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Abaribe reiterated the determination of the Senate to amend the relevant sections of the Procurement Act in favour of local manufacturers.
He said that in view of the recent dwindling of government revenue, time was ripe for local manufacturers to be encouraged and patronised.
The lawmaker disclosed that the donation of military boots to military and paramilitary agencies as well as school bags and shoes to Internally Displaced Persons in their camps was to prove the durability of the products.
