MAN explores advocacy measures to address manufacturing challenges

In an effort to address the challenges bedevilling the manufacturing sector, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in conjunction with Enhancing Nigeria For a Better Environment) ENABLE 2 has concluded plans to tackle the challenges with a campaign profiled ‘Made in Nigeria’ advocacy campaign.

According to MAN, the nation’s manufacturing sector has for long been besieged by the tripartite challenge of poor patronage of locally made products by the government, the effect of the mundane Procurement Act which does not in real term support active procurement from domestic companies and the attitude and flair of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government for imported products.

Besides, MAN added that issues of smuggling and counterfeiting activities by unscrupulous individuals in the country remain unabated with many local producers already crowded out of business.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, MAN explained that its advocacy initiative is aimed at improving the level of government patronage of Nigerian made goods, review of the procurement Act and secure a stricter enforcement of anti-smuggling and counterfeiting regulations.

“In view of the recent dwindling fortune of the country, it is imperative that we reduce to the barest minimum, the dependence on importation of consumer goods, especially those goods that are locally available in the country”, MAN added.

According to MAN, with the strict enforcement of anti-smuggling and counterfeiting laws, more markets would be created for home-made goods with all revenues accruing to the products originator companies.

However, MAN assured that through the coalition, government will look more inward for its procurements and deal effectively on the issues of nefarious activities of smuggling and home-made products counterfeiting for the overall well being of manufacturing businesses in Nigeria.

“The campaign which is slated for Thursday, May 26 at MAN House would be of immense benefit to the member-companies of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) with an enactment of a law of public procurement for home-grown products and services especially by MDAs.

“The advocacy would also create awareness for ‘Buy Nigerian Products’ to the general consuming private-public which will encourage more productivity in the domestic manufacturing sector”, the statement read in part.