Reps panel pledges policy support for indigenous industrial firms

The house of representatives committee on Nigerian content development and monitoring has pledged stronger legislative backing for indigenous manufacturers.

Boma Goodhead, chair of the committee, made the commitment on Thursday during an oversight visit to Zobis Cable Nigeria Limited in Onitsha, Anambra state.

Goodhead commended the company’s industrial achievements and adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, describing Zobis Cable as a model of “Nigerian ingenuity and technical excellence”.

She said the visit reaffirmed that Nigeria has the capacity to produce world-class industrial materials that meet the needs of the oil and gas, energy, and construction sectors.

“As a committee of the national assembly, we are particularly impressed with the company’s adherence to the principles of the NOGICD Act, its deployment of modern production technologies, and its ambitious drive toward value addition and import substitution,” she said.

“The scale of investment here shows that indigenous manufacturers are ready to compete globally if given the right policy support, visibility, and access to the oil and gas value chain.”

Goodhead said the committee’s visit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive on “Nigeria’s First Goods and Services”, which mandates ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritise the use of locally made products as a strategy for economic growth and job creation.

She said the committee would continue to strengthen its oversight function to ensure full implementation of the local content policy across Nigeria’s industrial sectors.

“The era of dependence on imported cables and electrical materials must give way to a new phase of Nigerian industrial self-reliance and home-grown technological advancement,” she said.

Goodhead assured local producers of the national assembly’s support through policies that promote indigenous participation and protect domestic investment.

She also commended the company’s management and staff for their innovation and resilience, describing their success as “a true reflection of the spirit of Nigerian content — made in Nigeria, trusted by the world”.

John Ezeobi, chief executive officer of Zobis Group, called on the government to support local manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness in the market.

“For the past four years, local manufacturers have been trying to bring down the price of cable,” he said.

“The government, on the other hand, needs to assist to encourage local manufacturers so that they can compete with their counterparts outside.”