Ex- Nigeria ambassador to Zambia, Ominyi applauds Tinubu for banning imported goods 

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Amb. Nwanne Ominyi has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for banning imported goods in Nigeria.

Ominyi who is currently the President of the League of African Ambassadors, made this known in a statement signed and made available through his X handle on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the ban on imported goods will now boost the locally produced goods in the country.

According to him: “Good job, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking a bold step to protect local industries and manufacturing sectors by banning imported goods which can be produced in the country. In so doing, Mr. President protects ACFTA goods.”

The Nations News Nigeria reports that this development is in line with President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, aimed at strengthening the country’s economy by prioritizing locally manufactured goods and services. “The policy is expected to boost domestic production, conserve foreign exchange, and create jobs.

“Stakeholders, including the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) and the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, have backed the decision, citing its potential to enhance local industries such as Dangote Refinery and Innoson Motors. The ban is also seen as a step towards achieving the country’s industrialization agenda and import-substitution goals.

Ambassador Ominyi urged the Nigeria President to exempt goods produced in Africa in line with Africa continental free trade Agreements  as Africa is one family.

The move has received mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the initiative as a bold step towards economic growth, while others express concerns about potential price increases and the need for improved infrastructure to support local production.