The National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigenous manufacturers through strong legislative frameworks that ensure their protection, growth, and competitiveness in the global market.
Chairman of the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Ms. Boma Goodhead, made this known during an oversight visit to Zobis Ltd, an indigenous cable manufacturing company based in Anambra State.
Goodhead said the committee was highly impressed with the achievements and innovations recorded by Zobis Cables, describing the company as a testament to Nigerian ingenuity, technical excellence, and industrial resilience.
“What we have witnessed at Zobis Cable is a strong demonstration of Nigerian creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to national industrial growth,” she said.
She commended the company’s compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development NOGICD, Act, its use of modern production technologies, and its drive for value addition and import substitution.
“The scale of investment here shows that indigenous manufacturers can compete globally if given the right policy support, visibility, and access to the oil and gas value chain,” Goodhead added.
The lawmaker emphasized that the NASS support for indigenous firms aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed national drive for industrial transformation through the Presidential Directives on ‘Nigeria’s First Goods and Services’.
She noted that the President has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies particularly those in oil and gas, power, and infrastructure to prioritize patronage of locally produced goods and services.
According to her, this policy direction represents a strategic path toward sustainable economic growth, job creation, and technological self-reliance.
“The House Committee fully supports the President’s vision and will continue to provide the legislative backing and oversight necessary to ensure full implementation across the industrial sector,” she assured.
Goodhead explained that the visit to fully indigenous firms like Zobis Cables was part of a broader mandate by the National Assembly to promote, monitor, and strengthen local content participation in line with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
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“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 declared.
“Under the leadership of the Speaker, the National Assembly will continue to create favorable laws and policies that encourage local production, attract investment, and protect indigenous businesses.”
Earlier, Mr. John Ezeobi, Chief Executive Officer of Zobis Group, said Nigerian manufacturers were working hard to make locally produced cables affordable and competitive.
He, however, appealed to the government for more support in form of favorable policies, infrastructure, and access to financing.
“Local manufacturers are doing their best to bring down the cost of production. We only need more government support to compete effectively with imported products,” Ezeobi said.
Zobis Ltd, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading cable producers, is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and adherence to global manufacturing standards.
The NASS support for indigenous firms is expected to further strengthen such enterprises, creating more employment opportunities and contributing to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a fully industrialized economy.
