Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting the Kugbo Furniture Market, where I engaged with talented woodworkers, carpenters, and furniture makers. This meeting offered an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insights from skilled professionals who have spent years mastering their craft. Through our discussion, I was able to better understand the unique challenges they face, not only in their market but also on a national level. Many of these artisans are members of national associations, which gives them a broader perspective on industry-wide issues.
One of the significant challenges they highlighted was the high cost of machinery and work tools. These rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for small-scale furniture makers to remain competitive, affecting their ability to produce high-quality products. In response to this concern, we are proud to have built a state-of-the-art furniture factory, fully equipped with modern machinery designed to address this gap. Our goal is to enhance the quality of local production, boost efficiency, and increase the competitiveness of Nigerian furniture makers both at home and abroad.
This visit to Kugbo aligns with our broader #GrowNigerian strategy, which emphasizes the importance of investing in local talent and industries. Through this strategy, we aim to provide sustainable solutions that address the needs of skilled professionals while fostering economic growth within the country. A key aspect of this initiative is ensuring that the artisans themselves are actively involved in the planning and execution of programs designed to support their work. By engaging directly with these professionals, we can create tailored solutions that truly address their needs, ensuring long-lasting impact.
Our commitment to empowering local artisans goes beyond just providing resources; it is about creating a transparent and inclusive process where beneficiaries have a say in how these initiatives are rolled out. By working closely with the craftsmen at Kugbo and other similar markets, we are helping to build a stronger, more competitive furniture industry in Nigeria.
