Abuja – Mr Foluso Fasoto, the President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of patronising home made goods to boost the value of the Naira.
He made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, after the first board meeting of the Association.
He said local production of goods must be increased and the quality must be enhanced for Nigerians to be interested in buying such
goods.
He explained that “Naira is currently devalued but the issue is to increase the production of high quality goods for Nigerians to
appreciate and patronise.
“The Federal Government should provide an enabling environment for manufacturers to produce quality goods.
“If we want to promote made in Nigeria goods, senior government officials should be seen dressed in made in Nigeria attire,
use made in Nigeria cars and eat Nigerian foods so that others can follow.”
The Association boss then urged the Federal Government to re-strategise by looking inward, saying the organisation was ready
to partner with government to increase local production.
On the issue of corruption, he said it remained pervasive and efforts to reduce graft had been inadequate.
He said APBN was ready to partner with government at all levels to create awareness about the anti-corruption crusade and also walk the talk.
He added that the Association had urged DISCOs (electricity distribution companies) to ensure the availability of pre-paid meters so as to stem any fraudulent practices that may be associated with government’s good gesture in that regard.
Fasoto, who said there was the need to increase electricity tariff, however, said the electricity providers must ensure sustainable power supply for Nigerians to get value for their money.
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Commenting on the oil sector, he said there was need to publish the actual cost of petrol sold in Nigeria.
“We are also ready to partner with government in ensuring that oil subsidy scams are exposed and appropriately punished.
“These are serious national issues affecting critical sectors.”
He also urged government at all levels to use Nigerian professionals to deliver people-friendly programmes.
He said “the place of professionals in the present and future growth and development of the country cannot be
under estimated.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Association comprises presidents of 28 professional bodies
in Nigeria. (NAN)