Industrialisation foundation for economic growth – NBC

The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has identify industrialisation as the foundation of any nation’s economic growth, because it has the power to enhance productivity and innovation, diversify the economy, and create millions of jobs.

The Managing Director of NBC, Goran Sladic, who stated this during the manufacturing session at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, said for a nation rich in natural resources and human talent as Nigeria, it is not just an opportunity, it is an obvious choice to drive economic transformation.

The manufacturing session, sponsored by the NBC, attracted leaders from across productive sectors, including regulators, trade associations, and policymakers.
The session opened with welcome remark from Chief Executives Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, and was further energised by contributions from Melissa Jones, Country Representative for the United State Agency for International Development (USAID), and Sladic .

The panel discussion featured industry heavyweights, including the Director General, Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir; Vice President, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Olakunle Alake; Economic Development Adviser.

British Deputy High Commission, Ms. Beth Davies-Kumadiro and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele. Moderated by the Director General of Nigeria’s Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, the session tackled the pressing issues of macroeconomic instability and explored big ideas to promote sustainable growth not just for the sector, but for the economy in general.

Oyedele said: “We have identified key challenges, including fiscal and regulatory barriers, that impact the manufacturing sector. Our withholding tax reforms will provide much-needed relief, addressing working capital, cash flow, and financing costs faced by manufacturers.These exemptions will also extend to input providers, ensuring broader sectoral support.”