The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), has decried the situation where some manufacturers have to package their products with foreign labels to encourage patronage.
Mrs Aina Omo-Ojeonu, President of BENCCIMA, said this at the opening of the 2022 Edo Trade Fair in Benin.
Omo-Ojeonu said the phenomenon was worrisome, adding that credit for indigenous products manufactured with 100 per cent local technology and raw materials were now being given to foreign countries.
She said the theme for the 2022 Edo Trade Fair, ‘Promoting Made in Nigeria Products for New Market Opportunities and Global Competitiveness’ was therefore apt.
She said the theme was carefully selected to address low patronage of Nigerian products and services and the consequent negative result it was having on local technology.
The president, represented by the First Deputy President, BENCCIMA, Mr Austin Atakpu, urged improved access to intervention funds for business development.
She also called for reduction of regulatory barriers being faced by businesses as well as improved infrastructure.
Earlier, chairman of the event, Mr Austin Lazarus, said the trade fair was a demonstration by the chamber in showcasing goods and services made within and outside the state.
Lazarus, also urged patronage of Made in Nigeria Products to boost employment, wealth and the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He, however, said that business operators in the country were not finding it easy to run their activities, calling on government to create a conducive business environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2022 Edo Trade Fair was organised by BENCCIMA in collaboration with Edo Government.
The fair which began on Nov. 25, will end on Dec. 10.
