By PROVIDENCE OBUH

Micro Entrepreneurs have lamented that after 100 years of existence, since its amalgamation in 1914, Nigeria continues to import household products, such as soap, cream and toothpick, among other things which local manufacturers are capable of producing.

President of the Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN) Prince Saviour Iche said this at a media chart where he lamented that both the Federal and State Government are inviting foreign investors at the detriment of local manufacturers.

Iche said, “It is an insult to Nigeria at this age where we are celebrating 100 years of amalgamation, to import soap, cream, tooth pick that local manufacturers can produce. As micro entrepreneurs, is a lay down on us, the government should assist local manufacturers, we have the technical know how to do what its takes to beat foreign investors.”

Recalling his visit to the Lagos trade fair where there is complete absence of local manufactured goods, he hinted that most foreign investors come into the country to exhibit their product and go back with the money they made without investing back into the country.

“Foreign investors can not industrialise Nigeria, they are paying tax in their own country. The Federal and State Government go outside this country, looking for foreign investors, who are micro entrepreneurs that started small in their country and became big with assistance from their government. Nigerian government go there and ask them to come and establish companies here in Nigeria leaving the micro entrepreneurs in their own country that could have been financed and encouraged.

“I happen to go to Lagos trade fair and I found that there is no presence of local manufacturers there, I went round and all the products I saw were foreign, even the made in Nigeria goods are made by the foreigners too. I made enquires and found that most this companies do not stay here.

I saw their cards, they have generator with remote controls and others which they can not take to other countries except Nigeria because we have the worst power problem. I said where can I get you after trade fair to get the product, and they said they are not in Nigeria but only came for exhibition and that if I need their product I should come over to their country, he lamented.