Abuja -- A survey has shown that locally manufactured footwear now attracts higher patronage than foreign ones.
The survey, carried out on Wednesday, showsthat in the past three months Nigerian-made footwears, particularly slippers, were highly preferred. Their design is simple, it is easy to use them. The survey also showed that the local products were relatively cheaper than imported ones.
A manufacturer of footwears, Emeka Eze, saidthat he had improved the quality and design of his products to make them more competitive.
Mr. Eze said that he had since introduced some people to the business. All of these people are doing well, according to him. He said the items used in producing the footwear are easy to procure and also affordable, listing some as ram skin, discarded tyres, rubber and locally-made gum.
"The slippers are selling like hot cake, customers now even have to pre-order for them to be made in different sizes and colours," he said.
Another manufacturer, John Obi, said it took him only about two days to undergo the process, noting that he could produce about 25 to 30 pieces daily.
"We are happy that business is moving and more people are appreciating locally manufactured products," he said.
Another shoe-maker, Kelechi Nnamdi, said that the slippers could last for about two years and can be washed and dried.
Kelechi appealed to government to assist shoe-makers financially to expand their production scope.
"We need a place where we can set up factories and employ more people so that they can meet up with local demand and even export our products," he said.
Monday Shima, who trades in shoes, described the quality and turnover on the locally-made shoes as "impressive".
He called on the government to promote local technology to attract investors and create jobs for teeming unemployed youths.
N[url/]http://m.naij.com/news/36374.html[url]

Good news

Very true and accurate report. I wear all my natives with Nigerian slippers, I also wear all my jean with Nigerian made canvas Only time I wear foreign shoe is when I dress on soothe. But the day I see a solid niger made cover shoe I will be the first to buy.

gud 2 hear dat we are coming back home patronizing our products. made in 9ja

Aba made going places....

Nigeria is working
Nigeria o ni Baje o