Abia State Government has announced plans to roll out a new policy framework that would promote the exclusive procurement of Made-in-Abia goods and services in the State.
The policy which is n furtherance of the Local content laws in Abia would among other things, stimulate the local economy.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the policy when fully operational would make it possible that all goods and services obtainable in the state would not be procured from outside the state.
According to Kanu, the policy is a strategic response to the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and inflation in Nigeria.
“In furtherance of the Local content laws in Abia State, the State government is set to issue a new policy framework with regards to the promotion of made in Abia goods.
“This is a bold reaction to other unraveling of both the national and global economies and the resultant headwinds and headline inflation prevalent in the country
“As a forward thinking Government, Abia state Government is deliberate about the management of its local economy in order to boost the production of goods and services responsible for the overall health of the State’s economy.
“In the coming weeks and months the minute details of this new Made-in-Abia Goods Policy would be made public”, Prince Kanu stated.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with recent efforts by Governor Otti to promote indigenous goods, including his pledge to elevate the prominence of the Akwete Cloth—a traditional handwoven fabric—during a meeting with Ethnorcentrique Limited.
“Just a few days ago His Excellency played host to a group called Ethnorcentrique Limited an indigenous Company involved in promotion of handmade fabrics particularly the Akwete Fabric.
“At that event, His Excellency promised to ensure that the local fabric called Akwete Cloth is promoted and it’s use taken to a new level
“So this new policy framework that centers around the purchase of Made-in-Abia goods has been put together to promote such goods and services”, Prince Kanu said.
