In a landmark visit to SecureID Limited’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday celebrated the company’s remarkable contributions to the nation’s manufacturing and digital solutions sectors.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth through innovation and industrialisation.
SecureID, a leading manufacturer of smart cards and digital solutions, has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in the technology and manufacturing space.
As SecureID celebrates 20 years of operation, the company continues to demonstrate exceptional growth with a capacity to produce over 200 million cards and personalise over 160 million smart cards annually serving clients in 21 countries across Africa.
During the visit, the Vice President toured the facility, witnessing firsthand SecureID’s cutting-edge production processes and its commitment to quality and innovation.
He commended SecureID for its resilience and success, noting that the company exemplifies the kind of homegrown businesses that can transform Nigeria’s economy.
“Government is committed to fostering an enabling environment for businesses like SecureID to thrive,” said the Vice President.
“Through targeted policies and interventions, we are repositioning Nigeria’s economy to support local innovation, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities.
“This edifice embodies the promise of what our nation can achieve when our innovative minds are given the support to compete with the rest of the world.
“SecureID is proof that when there is a will, there is always a way.”
He highlighted President Tinubu’s dedication to revitalising the economy through fiscal reforms and strategic interventions aimed at boosting local enterprises.
“The health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy.
“This administration will continue to foster an environment where innovation thrives, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.
Promising support for indigenous companies, particularly in the production of essential government documents, Shettima added: “Anything Nigeria, we have to patronise. Passports, voter cards—everything.”
The founder of SecureID, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its operations, creating jobs and putting Africa on the global stage.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but this is just the beginning.
“With the support of the government, we are ready to scale our operations, increase our export potential and contribute even more to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
She reiterated the company’s commitment to building a global brand while maintaining its Nigerian identity.
“Indigenous companies like ours are making waves against all odds. This just encourages us to keep pushing forward, regardless of limitations,” Akinkugbe said.
She also said SecureID had already demonstrated its capacity to produce secure passports locally, emphasising the importance of government support in promoting local production.
“It will be beneficial to the entire economy,” she noted.
Addressing questions on SecureID’s sustainability strategy, Akinkugbe highlighted the company’s efforts in developing eco-friendly products.
“We launched Nigeria’s first eco-friendly SIM card just two months ago.
“We are very focused on sustainability, reducing plastic use, and creating environmentally friendly solutions for our customers,” she explained.
The visit highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in driving economic development and showcased SecureID’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s charge in the global digital and manufacturing sectors.