The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged Governments at all levels to reinforce security and rehabilitate road infrastructure to enhance movement of raw materials for growth of businesses in the country.
The President of MAN, Mr. Francis Meshioye, said this in his remarks at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the association in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Our Correspondent reports that the theme of the AGM is: “Buy Nigerian Products, Build Nigeria; A Path to Sustainable Industrial Growth.”
Meshioye, represented by Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General, MAN, said that insecurity and poor road infrastructure have affected businesses in the country, as movement of raw materials and finished goods across the country had been so challenging and expensive.
He also called for improved power supply, stressing that small scale businesses were running at a loss due to high cost of power for production of goods and services.
“To further boost industrial growth we humbly appeal for consideration in the following areas, MAN urges the governments to reinforce security and engage with host communities.
“Eliminate duplication and foster a predictable business environment.
“Introduce quarterly interactive meetings between manufacturers and MDAs to address operational challenges and shape policies driving industrial growth,” Meshioye said.
The MAN president reiterated the need for Nigerians to be patriotic and patronise homemade goods to grow the economy.
He called on governments to be intentional in patronising made in Nigeria goods by ensuring that vehicles driven by political officeholders and Ministries Agencies and Department (MDAs) were made in Nigeria.
He added that by buying made in Nigeria goods, more jobs would be created for the teeming population and youth restiveness would be reduced.
“By choosing Nigerian-made goods, we are voting for jobs, innovation, and economic resilience. Our industries are ready to deliver quality products that meet global standards, but we need your support, your patronage and your patriotism,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said that the state government had improved on the ease of doing business through a “one shop portal.”
Eno, represented by Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd) Commissioner for Trade and Investment said the one stop portal had streamlined ease of doing business as average time to obtain a business licence has fallen from 45 days to just seven days.
The Governor said that the State’s Industrial Policy 2024‑2029 offers a 5‑year tax holiday for new manufacturing enterprises, a 50 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs for energy‑intensive plants, and a matching grant scheme for research and development projects that achieve at least a 15 per cent increase in productivity.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, competitive manufacturing sector that not only contributes to national GDP but also uplifts the lives of our people.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Inalegwu Adoga, Chairman, Akwa Ibom/Cross River Branch of MAN, said that multiple taxation have poised significant hurdles in the business community.
Adoga said that in line with the theme of the AGM, the branch had continued to champion the ideals of local patronage, local content advocacy, backward integration that were essential for building a stronger Nigerian economy.
He said that the pathway to sustainable prosperity of the nation lies in collaborative, innovation driven and production based economy.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Howard Usen, South-South Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), said that the future of Nigeria’s economy was intrinsically linked to a strong manufacturing sector.
Usen said that manufacturers were vital off-takers for agricultural produce, transforming raw materials into value-added products that fuel domestic consumption and export.
He acknowledged MAN’s enduring commitment to industrial growth, economic diversification, and the overall development of the country.
