The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is currently holding a manufacturers’ summit with the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The summit, which started yesterday at the Banquet/Conference Hall, State House, Abuja and will end tomorrow, is themed, “Rethinking Manufacturing.”
MAN’s DG, Segun Ajayi Kadir, said it is necessitated by the state of the manufacturing sector, which has remained a major concern to the government, industrialists and Nigerians. He said the theme underscores the need for practical solutions to the myriads of challenges limiting manufacturing performance through the adoption of innovative strategies that can guarantee higher productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.
He added that they are expecting that the engagements would provide valuable insights into the policy direction, expectations of the government and practical solutions to the binding constraints.
“There are focus group discussions between top-level government officials, industry operators and experts; insightful presentations on emerging trends and best practices in manufacturing; exhibition of made-in-Nigeria products; networking opportunities; showcasing of innovative products, technologies and solutions in the Nigerian manufacturing sector.
“Specifically, the focus group technical session will bring together relevant ministries, departments and agencies, top-level CEOs of manufacturing concerns, continental trade institutions, subject matter experts and the academia to discuss the five pillars of the summit which are promoting growth, upscaling productivity and improving competitiveness, enhancing energy security and infrastructure development, improving macroeconomic environment and ease of doing business; improving patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and local content development and finally, leveraging regional and continental trade for export development.
“We are looking at how to achieve sustained manufacturing growth through the creation of a conducive business environment, guaranteeing security, boosting agricultural production and strengthening supply chain resilience by leveraging technology.
We expect to reach a consensus with the Federal Government on the imperatives for intentional development of manufacturing and the crafting of a time-framed strategic roadmap for the resolution of the identified challenges and attainment of steady growth for the sector,” he said.
