Landmark Centre Hosts Decor Event Advocating for Policy Reforms
The Landmark Centre in Lagos became a hub of strategic discussions and advocacy as notable dignitaries and stakeholders from Nigeria’s manufacturing sector convened at the 2024 Decor Event. With a focus on fostering the growth of local furniture and textile production, the gathering attracted key players in the industry, policymakers, and advocates, including Shina Peller, Daniel Ayodele, and others, who passionately called on the Federal Government to craft policies supporting homegrown manufacturers.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the Mindshift Empowerment and Employment Initiative (MEEI), provided a platform for deliberating the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s furniture and textile industries. It underscored the need for policy interventions that could address the structural barriers hindering these sectors.
Call to Action for Industry Growth
In his keynote speech, Shina Peller, a prominent entrepreneur, former federal lawmaker, and advocate for economic reform, highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s furniture and textile industries. He noted that these sectors could significantly reduce unemployment while decreasing the nation’s dependency on imports.
“Nigeria has the resources and talent to compete globally in furniture and textile manufacturing. What we lack is robust support from the government through policies that prioritize local manufacturers,” said Peller.
Daniel Ayodele, another distinguished speaker, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that the global furniture market, currently dominated by Asian manufacturers, could see increased competition from Nigerian products if the right infrastructure and support systems were in place.
Policy Recommendations
The dignitaries proposed several actionable solutions to grow the industries:
- Tax Incentives and Subsidies: Peller advocated for tax reliefs and grants for local manufacturers to help them scale production and modernize facilities.
- Improved Infrastructure: Participants highlighted the importance of addressing the energy crisis and enhancing transportation networks to reduce production costs.
- Access to Finance: Daniel Ayodele called for better access to low-interest loans and grants, specifically tailored for SMEs in the furniture and textile industries.
- Capacity Building: Stakeholders urged the establishment of training programs for workers, emphasizing carpentry, textile design, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Highlights of the Decor Event
The Decor Event featured a vibrant exhibition of locally produced furniture and textiles, showcasing the creative and innovative potential of Nigerian artisans. Panels and breakout sessions facilitated discussions on topics such as sustainable manufacturing, the use of locally sourced materials, and leveraging technology for production.
In attendance were representatives from international organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Officials from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment also participated, signaling government interest in the sector’s development.
The Role of MEEI and Other Organizations
The MEEI, a major partner for the event, has been pivotal in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa. Through its programs, the initiative aims to empower young talents and address unemployment by fostering opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing.
In his remarks, a representative from the MEEI reiterated their commitment to working with stakeholders to develop an ecosystem that nurtures growth and innovation. “Entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities. Our goal is to bridge gaps and build capacities for the future of Nigeria,” he said.
Other organizations, including the Furniture Makers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) and African Youth Entrepreneurs Network, presented strategic plans to enhance collaboration between industry stakeholders and the government.
Shina Peller’s Vision for Local Manufacturing
Beyond the immediate discussions, Shina Peller emphasized the need for Nigeria to view manufacturing as a cornerstone of economic diversification. Drawing from his experience as a businessman and former lawmaker, Peller highlighted the potential of leveraging trade partnerships and attracting foreign investment into local manufacturing.
“Partnerships, both local and international, will be key. Nigeria must position itself as a hub for innovation and production in Africa, and this starts with empowering our manufacturers,” Peller stated.
The Way Forward
The event concluded with a consensus that immediate action was necessary to unlock the potential of the furniture and textile industries. Stakeholders agreed to establish a working group that would engage directly with the government to fast-track policy reforms.
With support from organizations like the MEEI and insights from global leaders in entrepreneurship, the Decor Event has set a precedent for industry advocacy in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international organizations, the event highlighted the pathway to a self-reliant and prosperous manufacturing sector in the country.
As Shina Peller succinctly put it, “The time to act is now. With the right policies, Nigeria’s furniture and textile industries can become symbols of innovation and growth for Africa and beyond.”
Closing Remarks
The Decor Event at Landmark Centre demonstrated the immense potential of Nigeria’s furniture and textile sectors to drive economic growth. By advocating for policy changes, the event has laid the groundwork for future collaborations that could transform these industries into global powerhouses.
