The Ogun State government says sourcing raw materials locally will help to address the foreign exchange challenge facing industries, enhance economic growth and create more jobs for Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by press officers, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun State, Mr Wale Osunbiyi and Mr Ismail Oladipo.
The statement quoted the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, as saying this during her tour of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Groups, Apple and Pears Limited and CDK Integrated Industry Limited, in the Sagamu area of the state.
Longe said the tour was aimed at building a closer relationship with the industries and further understand their challenges.
She assured them that the Dapo Abiodun-led administration would partner the industries to address identified challenges to ensure their progress.
She reiterates the determination of the state to proactively support and map out solutions to various challenges facing industries operating in the state so as to ensure businesses continue to accomplish their objectives while the industrial sector continues to thrive.
Longe said, “Companies should embrace import substitution because increased local sourcing of raw materials would help address forex shortage faced by industries and aid the growth of the economy as well as create more jobs for Nigerians. The present administration is deeply interested in the companies doing well because we know when the companies do well; it will positively affect the entire ecosystem. We want to proactively support our companies and help them do well and grow on a sustainable basis. Once the industries are stronger, our people will also do well.”
Longe however called on the companies to continue to give back to their host communities through relevant Corporate Social Responsibility projects to further build harmonious relationship with their host communities.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Apple and Pears Limited, Mr. Hali Hasbin, had commended the state government for being proactive and responsive to the concerns of businesses operating in the state.
Also, the Group Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Groups, Dr. Stella Okoli, said the company had increased the sourcing of raw materials locally.
The Managing Director, CDK Integrated Industry Limited, Mr. Benard Longe, called for a timely solution of the power challenge facing industries across the country.
