Reps Move To Accelerate Industrial Revolution In Nigeria

THE manufacturing sector in Nigeria is on the verge of experiencing a lift, as the House of Representatives has begun debate on the general principles of a proposed legislation, which, when passed by the parliament, will accelerate the industrial capacity in the country.

Specifically, the Chamber has passed, for third reading, “A Bill for an Act to provide for the rapid build-up of industrial capacity in Nigeria and to promote competitiveness of Nigeria’s manufactured goods and products and for other matters related, thereto,” sponsored by Hon Stella Oluwarotimi Ayamara Dorgu of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bayelsa.

Dorgu, a renowned broadcaster, represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, replacing Governor Seriake Dickson in the House of Representatives.

Giving insight on the Bill, Dorgu, in her lead debate, told the parliament that the industrial revolution plan plays both a strategic and catalytic role in economic development in respect of employment creation, GDP generation, Economic linkages, which serve as veritable platform for small, medium and micro-enterprises development, innovation, skills and technology development.

She said the proposed legislation, which was read the second time on the floor of the House, seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework for the implementation of the Industrial Revolution Plan and the National Enterprise Development Programme of the Federal Government to provide for their implementation, continuity and sustainability.

“It seeks to ensure ownership of the processes, plans activities of the industrial plan and the programme by relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies of government for the overall realisation and delivery of the industrial plan and the programmes.

“The Act involves participation by states of the federation in the industrial plan and the programme and has taken due cognisance of the concurrent nature of the responsibility for industrialisation between the Federal and state governments under the 1999 constitution (as altered).

“The Act also offers assistance to states of the federation to encourage them adopt similar legislation in carrying out the industrial plan and the programme in the states of the federation,” she submitted.

Dorgu noted that the main objectives of the industrial plan are to increase manufacturing contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, as well as drive the process of intense industrialisation based on sectors where Nigeria has comparative and competitive advantages.

The lawmaker further noted that the bill, if passed into law, would, among other things, facilitate job and wealth creation, provide for economic and revenue diversification, ensure import substitution and export diversification and broaden government’s tax base.

On the scope of application of the industrial plan, she said, “the industrial plan shall be implemented throughout the federation based on industry groups where Nigeria possesses clear comparative and competitive advantages to commence the process of rapid industrialisation. These groups include agribusiness and Agro allied; solid minerals and metals; oil and gas related industry; and construction, light manufacturing and services.

She noted that the scope will also “Support the attainment of rapid industrialisation under the industrial plan, government shall take steps to intervene in broader areas hindering competitiveness of the entire industrial sector in Nigeria by among others.”