The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has urged the Federal Government to formulate policies to checkmate the importation of items that were being produced locally.
Mr Nerus Ekezie, the Director, Membership Service and Publicity, NASME, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
He urged the Federal Government to encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises involved in the manufacturing of machine tools and motor parts.
“The nation’s moribund steel plants should be revitalised to create advance technology and employment opportunities,’’ Ekezie said.
He said exposure to technical training would boost efficiency of local manufacturers of machine spare parts.
“Small and medium-scale manufacturers of machine tools have yet to be equipped with the technology to improve the quality of their products.
‘‘But our members have been fabricating machine tools and motor accessories such as brake pads, lubricants and some motor body parts.
‘‘Many of these manufacturers have been constrained by inadequate technological aids and inability to access capital for the expansion and growth of their business,’’ Ekezie said.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain the growth of the manufacturing business, saying its success would increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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