Picture a state where every road built, vehicle driven, and tractor plowing fields screams “Made in Nigeria.” That’s the vision Cross River Governor Bassey Otu is turning into reality, earning him the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)’s Champion of Made-in-Nigeria Products award on October 21, 2025.
The honor, presented at the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture in Lagos, celebrates Otu’s relentless push for local goods, sparking hope for Nigeria’s industrial boom.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey accepted the award on Otu’s behalf, standing tall among industry giants and policymakers. The event, a powerhouse gathering, spotlighted strategies to supercharge Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Leading by Example
MAN President Francis Meshioye hailed Otu’s policies as a game-changer. “Cross River shows leadership that fuels local production and creates jobs,” he said, praising the state’s bold procurement choices. Otu’s government has walked the talk, buying 80 vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and preordering 130 more, proving Nigerian craftsmanship can shine.
Odey called the award a nod to Otu’s mission to rebuild Nigeria’s productive spirit. “We don’t just consume we empower local makers to thrive,” he declared. The state’s focus isn’t just talk; it’s action, from roads built by Nigerian contractors to tax breaks for homegrown businesses.
Powering Agriculture and Infrastructure
Cross River’s commitment runs deep. The state snapped up 100 tractors from a Kwara-based Nigerian company, with 220 more on the way.
“Our farmers rely on Nigerian-made tools, showing local quality can compete,” Odey said. This move boosts agriculture, a lifeline for the state’s economy, while keeping money in Nigeria.
Infrastructure tells a similar story. Many completed and ongoing roads are handled by local firms, strengthening skills and creating jobs. “We’re building a state where wealth stays home,” Odey added, emphasizing how these efforts fuel economic growth.
A Call to Industry
Odey invited MAN to hold its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Calabar, pitching Cross River as a hub of hospitality and industrial potential. “Come see our vision in action,” he urged, promising support for Nigeria’s manufacturing renaissance.
The state’s policies, like a local content employment portal, connect skilled residents with jobs, further embedding homegrown talent in the economy.
Cross River’s approach aligns with Nigeria’s push for self-reliance. By prioritizing local products, Otu’s administration is setting a blueprint for other states, proving that buying Nigerian builds a stronger nation.
Why It Matters
The Adeola Odutola Lecture, named after MAN’s first president, is a cornerstone for industry-government talks.
Founded in 1971, MAN advocates for manufacturers, shaping policies to boost local production. Otu’s award underscores Cross River’s role in this mission, especially as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges.
Looking Ahead
Otu’s recognition is more than a trophy it’s a call to action. Cross River’s model could inspire Nigeria to embrace its own products, from cars to infrastructure.
As the state builds an ecosystem where industries thrive, the nation watches, hopeful for a future where “Made in Nigeria” is a badge of excellence.
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