Nigerian-made products: Is consuming them a sign of poverty? Absolutely not! Buying Nigerian-made products symbolized patriotism, a way to support the local economy, and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Before we proceed, thank you for taking the time to read this piece. Our goal is to share insights with you on the importance of buying Nigerian-made products, with a focus on agricultural, food, herbal, textile, and leather goods. We’ll also recognize other locally made products such as automobiles, energy, technology, and services. Whether you’re a Nigerian or a non-Nigerian, we welcome your thoughts in the comments.
What is a Nigerian-made product?
Nigerian-made products refer to items produced locally using either fully or partially sourced raw materials from Nigeria. These can be products made entirely with local materials or incorporating some imported elements.
Breaking the Stigma around Nigerian Products
Many Nigerians still feel stigmatized when it comes to consuming locally-made products. Some feel that using foreign-labeled products gives them a sense of class and prestige, even when the products are Nigerian-made but branded overseas. This perception often leads to counterfeit goods entering the market, resulting in a loss of identity, deepened inferiority, and stagnation of economic growth.
This type of consumption behaviour can create long-term economic challenges, as we’re seeing today. The truth is our national mindset—especially our consumption habits—plays a significant role in the state of our economy.
For more insight, you may find this publication interesting: Why Nigerians don’t patronise locally made products – Daily Trust
Social Stratification and Consumption in Nigeria
Are Nigerians stratified based on the products they consume? This question demands further exploration, and in our next blog on this topic, we’ll offer sociological insights into product consumption and its link to social stratification. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or email us at [info@afrikfair.com]. An associated dialogue you may find interesting. What is the social stratification in Nigeria? – Quora
As a participant observer, we can affirm that consumption patterns in Nigeria often reflect social stratification. You can identify a person’s socioeconomic status based on what they eat, wear, where they live, and even the cars they drive. Political, religious, or academic leaders rarely challenge this stratified consumption behavior, which further exacerbates economic divides.
We find this study interesting. An Assessment of Consumer Buying Behaviour: an Issue for “Made in Nigeria Drive”
What is buying local?
Buying locally refers to purchasing goods and services produced within your community, region, or country. It includes practices like:
- Shopping at independent businesses in your neighbourhood
- Choosing products grown or made in your region, state, or country
- Working with local suppliers when running a business
- Favouring regional companies when awarding service contracts
In this context, buying locally means supporting Nigerian-made agricultural, food, herbal, and textile products. Keep in mind that buying from a local store with foreign labels doesn’t count as buying local. Although it helps keep jobs, much of the revenue still goes abroad.
When you purchase products made in Nigeria, whether from a large grocery store or a small local business, you are buying locally.
4 Ways You Impact Nigeria When You Buy Local Products
1. Economic Growth
One of the most compelling reasons to buy Nigerian-made products is the positive impact on the economy. By supporting local businesses, you are directly contributing to job creation, income growth, and the overall improvement of the national economy. As these businesses grow, they contribute to Nigeria’s GDP, leading to a more resilient and robust economy.
2. Preserving Cultural Heritage
Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its arts, crafts, fashion, and food. By purchasing Nigerian-made products such as Aso Oke textiles or handmade pottery, you’re not only acquiring high-quality, unique items but also helping to preserve centuries-old traditions and cultural significance.
3. Promoting Sustainability
Choosing locally made products is an environmentally friendly decision. Many Nigerian products, especially those made by small-scale artisans and farmers, use traditional, sustainable methods. These methods often rely on natural materials and avoid harmful chemicals, making the products better for the environment. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint since the products don’t have to travel long distances.
4. Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
When you buy Nigerian-made products, you’re empowering local businesses and encouraging innovation. Supporting these entrepreneurs allows them to scale their operations, boost the economy, and position Nigeria as a global hub for creativity and innovation.
How to Ensure You’re Buying Locally
If you want to buy Nigerian-made products, look for stickers, labels, or logos indicating they were made or grown in Nigeria. You can also research the producer, buy at local markets, and support fashion brands with Nigerian labels.
Where to Buy Nigerian-Made Agro, Food, Herbal, and Textile Products
Here’s a list of some popular markets where you can find Nigerian-made products:
Lekki Arts & Crafts Market (Lagos) – Artisan crafts and fashion
Kantin Kwari Market (Kano) – Textiles and fabrics
Ariaria Market (Aba) – Footwear, bags, and fashion
Oja Oba Market (Ibadan) – Food, crafts, and fashion
Wurukum Market (Makurdi) – Yams, cassava, local clothing
Swali Market (Yenagoa) – Seafood, palm oil, handcrafted canoes
Maiduguri Monday Market (Maiduguri) – Leather goods, grains, traditional clothing
You can also find Nigerian-made products online at platforms such as:
Will You Become a Locavore?
A locavore is someone whose diet consists mostly or entirely of food that’s grown or produced locally. If you already prefer local products, keep supporting! If not, we encourage you to give it a try. After reading this, do you see the need to consume more Nigerian-made products? What are your concerns about or frustrations with locally made products?
Please share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear from you. Stay connected for more insights on Nigerian-made products and share this post if you found it helpful.
Next Up: Are Nigerians Stratified Based on the Products They Consume? Stay connected for a sociological viewpoint!