We can achieve sustainable industrial growth only when we ensure that our manufacturing firms are competitive domestically and globally
Did the policy achieve the desire results?
The policy was aimed to remove all infrastructure constraints and establish industrial clusters and industrial parks. It also focused on export-oriented manufacturing sector and a procurement policy that supports local production. NEEDS document was an excellent document with very rich content for the transformation of the Nigerian economy. But the reality is that these lofty goals were not achieved. The manufacturing sector is still as weak today as it was in 1999 when the document was put together.
After the NEEDS document during the Obasanjo regime, we had the Seven Points Agenda under President Yar’Adua’s administration. This agenda also had very robust content for industrialization strategy. The story is the same with the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan, when we had the Transformation Agenda. However, at the twilight of his administration, he launched the Nigerian Industrialization Revolution Plan (NIRP) which is specifically focused on industrialization.
It is perhaps the best and most comprehensive document today on industrialization policy. It is worthy of note that the current administration adopted the NIRP as its policy document for the promotion of industrial development. The decision is quite laudable as it would ensure continuity of policies that are found worthy. Presently, NIRP compliments the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
achieved
Has NIRP desire results?
the
This is a very detailed document which is specific to the industrial sector. It identifies the critical bottlenecks, opportunities and the strategy for the promotion of industrial growth. The main vision of NIRP is to make Nigeria the preferred manufacturing hub in West Africa, the preferred source of supply of low and medium technology consumer and industrial products, domestically and internationally as well as one of the top 10 players in at