It’s good that Nigeria is broke, says Ben Bruce

Ben Murray-Bruce, senator representing Bayelsa east, says Nigeria’s present economic situation is “wonderful” because citizens will think of creative ways growing the economy.

Making his contribution to a debate on a bill for an “Act to Amend the Public Procurement Act to provide for and to adopt a local content policy and timely completion of procurement processes,” at the senate, on Wednesday, Bruce said some Nigerians were of the view that locally-manufactured products were inferior, hence their preference for foreign ones.

But he argued that when Nigerians resolve to pay the right price for local products, their quality would improve in the long run.

“Nigeria is broke and it is wonderful. We would start to think, and buy Nigerian products,” he said.

“We are a brilliant people. If the leadership of Nigeria start thinking Nigeria, Nigeria will be a great country.”

Earlier, Sam Egwu, a senator from Ebonyi north, a sponsor of the bill, urged the senate to pass the bill arguing that it would boost the local economy.

Also, Eyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia south at the upper legislative chamber, explained that when passed the bill would make it mandatory for the government to buy local products.

After a brief debate -all in favour of the bill, the senate voted for its passage to the committee stage.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, thereafter, referred it to the committee on public procurement for more legislative treatment.