Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s wealth lies not in oil, land, or minerals, but in the ability of its people to transform resources into valuable products. Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, spoke at the Made in Naija Trade Exhibition organized by the House Committee on Commerce.

He described the exhibition as a declaration of intent to position Nigerian products for global competitiveness, stressing that local patronage strengthens the naira, creates jobs, reduces import dependence, and fosters a sustainable middle class. Shettima said the administration is providing infrastructure, financing, special economic zones, and certification systems to help local industries scale up and meet international standards, aiming to make Nigeria a hub for manufacturing and innovation.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for prioritizing locally made goods, highlighting the Nigeria First Policy that mandates government agencies to give preference to Nigerian products in procurement.

Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Hon Ahmed Munir, said local content initiatives could create over five million jobs by 2030 and save up to $20 billion annually by reducing import dependence. He added that expanding the non-oil sector and meeting global standards are key to making Nigerian products competitive internationally.