The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government’s directive to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise locally manufactured goods as a strategic step towards revamping Nigeria’s economy.
MAN President, Francis Meshioye, made the condemnation yesterday in Ilorin while speaking at the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kwara/Kogi states branch of the association .
He described the directive as a potential game-changer for the country’s economic growth.
Meshioye who was represented by the Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, called on the government to not only issue such directives, but also ensure strict implementation.
“This policy, if enforced properly, will serve as a powerful catalyst for domestic production, job creation, and inclusive growth,” he said.
The MAN president however, expressed deep concern over the stifling operating environment, citing heavy tax burdens, erratic power supply and foreign exchange volatility as major hurdles confronting manufacturers across the country.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Alhaji Sadiq Umar, emphasised the critical role of the manufacturing sector in national development.
“No country can attain sustainable growth without a strong manufacturing base. The resilience of Nigerian manufacturers remains the beacon of hope in our economic journey,” he said.
Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman of MAN Kwara/Kogi, Mr. Mubarak Shittu, regretted that the removal of petroleum and electricity subsidies, along with the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, have severely crippled many industrial establishments.
“We urgently call on government to intensify efforts on foreign exchange access, reduce lending rates, harmonise multiple taxes, and provide comprehensive bailout programmes for manufacturers,” he said.
He appealed for an urgent review of the escalating electricity tariffs and the high cost of power, calling for the facilitation of a gas pipeline to Kwara to serve both northern and southern regions of the country.
According to him, such a move would provide critical energy relief and attract more manufacturing investments to the state.
The MAN chairman also urged the Kwara government to accelerate work on the Industrial Park Project and reduce the cost of perfecting legal mortgages.
This, he said, would lower the overall cost of borrowing for manufacturers.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Officer of Risk Universal Limited, Mr Saheed Basiru stressed the importance of consistent and inclusive policymaking.
He advised that government should consult industry stakeholders before introducing new policies that impact the sector.
“Policy inconsistency remains a major challenge. The government must not only formulate good policies but ensure they are implemented to the letter,” Basiru said.
The AGM serves as a platform for stakeholders to reaffirm the need for a more supportive manufacturing ecosystem, underpinned by robust policies, infrastructure development, and ease of doing business.