MANEG elects Erewa-Meggison as chairman

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), a subgroup of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has announced the appointment of Odiri Erewa-Meggison as acting chairman.

The appointment of Erewa-Meggison as the chairman comes six months after she joined the group as the Vice-Chairman.

With this new role, Erewa-Meggison will spearhead the association’s efforts to promote and enhance the export capabilities of Nigerian manufacturers on both domestic and international platforms.

Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi Kadiri, expressed confidence that the new leadership will drive export improvement activities towards achieving its mandate.

Kadiri stressed the need for MANEG to ensure that all the issues related to exports are professionally addressed to “encourage competitiveness so that goods that traded in the continental market are produced on the continent.

“MAN has a multitude of tasks at hand, which is why there is a dedicated structure solely focused on addressing the concerns of each member. Rest assured, every member will receive the necessary support they require.”

On her part, Erewa-Meggison indicated her resolve to increase the membership of the association from the current number of over 80 companies to about 800.

“I am honoured and excited to assume the role of MANEG. Nigeria has immense potential to become a major player in the global export market and I pledge to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to create a favourable ecosystem that empowers manufacturers to expand their reach and compete effectively on a global scale.

“It is imperative to properly position MANEG for such herculean tasks of managing additional members, bridging the gap and ensuring free movement of goods, which will enhance the export portfolio of the larger economy.

“We need to find out how to quickly bridge the gap and ensure free movement of goods. MANEG consists of over 80 companies, well versed in the field of export.

How can we multiply this? How can 80 members become 800 members or more? The multiplier effect of having more members in MANEG and being able to export will help take the pressure off Nigeria’s oil sector and provide additional revenue. It will also help us to address the issues of foreign exchange. That is what I think we need for MANEG. We will reposition it in such a way that when they think of export, they think of MANEG,” she added.

Erewa-Meggison, who was recently announced as an associate of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria is also the Director of External Affairs at the leading tobacco manufacturing company – British American Tobacco

In attendance at the ceremony of MANEG’s new leadership transition were executive members of MANEG and some key members of the larger body of the MAN.