BUY LOCAL

Nigeria is an interesting place to live in, the sheer size of the land mass and its teeming population mean that in every state in the federation, people are either farming, fishing, rearing animals or engaging in different manufacturing activities.

Some years back it took the intervention of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government to place a ban on the importation of foreign fruit juice.

This action caused quite a stir, and was not a popular one, as a lot of Nigerians were used to the imported fruit juices like just juice, stute juice, del monte, Tropicana, ceres etc.                    This singular action by that government stimulated the growth of local fruit juice companies sprouting up to fill the gap in the market, giving rise to brands such as 5 alive, chi vita, funman, dansa etc.

Steadily over the years, these foreign fruit juices are staging a strong comeback into the supermarket shelves.                                                                                                                                                             As Consumers we must make a conscious choice to buy local, as the crude oil price continues to free-fall, the dollar is skyrocketing and this should compel all of us to adjust out taste buds to locally made fruit juice.
The government agencies responsible for important tariffs need to adjust the tax regime to deter importers of these foreign fruits juice, which cause a foreign exchange flight out of the Nigerian Economy.

The Ministry of Trade and Production needs to do more to promote our locally made fruit juices and encourage them to improve on the quality of their products, as some are sugar laden and not geared for health conscious consumers.

Several states in the country are blessed with abundant fruits, which end up rotting from the time of harvest to being transported  from the farms to the urban markets, the few that survive the trip are usually so expensive when they get to the market, there are usually out of the reach of the average Nigerian. Governments in the states have to come up with comprehensive polices that target fruit farmers, assisting and subsiding them where necessary, Also making available modern farming techniques. Establishments of fruit processing factories will also go a long way to providing ready markets for fruits farmers, also making bulk purchases from the farmers directly, will provide incentives to these farmers. Government has to also look at the lucrative export market for fruits and vegetables. Providing extensive education for local farmers on modern techniques to meet up to international food safety standards.