The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has urged the Federal Government to re-examine the ongoing procurement process for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Operational Perimeter Fencing and Security Surveillance project.
  
The DG said it has become a matter of national interest for the contractor handling the project to ensure strict adherence to Executive Orders 003, 005 and the imperative of the Nigeria First Policy. 
  
“In particular, we strongly maintain that, in considering the procurement of Clear Vu fencing, indigenous manufacturers should be given priority consideration and it must not be purchased from outside Nigeria,” he said.
  
While acknowledging the competence of the foreign manufacturer, he stressed that Nigerian companies have proven capacity and technical expertise to produce fencing materials that meet international standards.

He said the Nigeria First Policy has rekindled the confidence of local manufacturers, adding that the policy builds on earlier Executive Orders 003 and 005, which mandate the prioritisation of locally manufactured goods and services in public procurement.
  
He regretted that importing fencing materials for the project would not only undermine the policy but also deprive Nigeria of critical benefits, such as job creation for youths and skilled workers, FX savings, increased tax revenues, government earnings through local production, as well as a strengthened industrial base and security through self-reliance. 
  He lamented that it has become necessary to cry out now, as Nigerian manufacturers, regrettably, lost out in a similar situation in the past.

   
“In this particular instance, despite MAN’s advocacy, fencing materials for an airport project were imported from South Africa. That decision discouraged local industries and contradicted the government’s stated local content policies.
  
“We strongly believe that this administration has the opportunity to correct past errors. The Lagos airport fencing project presents a clear chance to demonstrate that the Nigeria First policy is not just an aspiration, but an intentional policy of government that will be matched with unfettered implementation,” he said.
   
He called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene by ensuring that the fencing materials are sourced from competent local manufacturers. 
  
“This is not a call to influence the award of the contract, but a patriotic appeal to align procurement decisions with national interest for the collective benefit of our economy and the well-being of the people.

We remain committed to supporting the government, advancing inclusive growth and ensuring that government procurements impact the lives of Nigerians and promote Nigerian businesses,” he said.