Ndume applauds Tinubu’s ban on foreign goods

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to ban the importation of foreign goods into Nigeria.

He described the move as a bold and commendable step toward revitalizing the nation’s economy and empowering local industries.

The ban, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, followed Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The policy is aimed at reducing over-reliance on foreign products and encouraging patronage of locally made goods.

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In addition to the importation ban, the government also imposed strict conditions on expatriates coming into the country to carry out jobs that can be handled by Nigerian professionals. The policy stipulates that such engagements must have convincing justification and receive express approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Reacting to the development, the former Senate Leader in a statement, Tuesday in Abuja, said the bold initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would go a long way in promoting indigenous entrepreneurs, boost the local economy and generate employment for Nigerians.

“It is heartwarming to hear that President Tinubu has taken this bold decision to ban imported goods that can be produced locally.

“This will be a major boost for indigenous businesses amid the slipping Nigerian economy.

“If implemented faithfully, it will shield our local producers striving to find their feet from being choked out of existence by established foreign investors who flood our market, unhindered, with goods that are cheaper and even substandard.

“With protection of local industries, there will be employment for our employable youths, the measure will also boost our Gross Domestic Product, ( GDP) and the value of Naira will appreciate as their will be less strain on our foreign reserves, since the demand for foreign exchange by importers of such foreign goods would drastically reduce.”

The lawmaker also suggested to the Federal Government to “also impose heavy taxes on some of the foreign goods to discourage Nigerians from buying them and pick locally produced items.”