MAN begs FG to save manufacturing sector from extinction

Chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, has called on the authorities to save the manufacturing sector in the country from extinction.

Speaking during the 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for the Anambra/Ebonyi/Enugu chapter, held on Friday in Enugu themed “Revitalizing Nigeria’s Economy Through Manufacturing-Driven Non-Oil Export”, she called for an increase in investment in the sector to enhance Nigeria’s economy.

The MAN chairperson emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s approach to exports.

She highlighted the importance of supporting the manufacturing sector to drive the change.

The chairperson noted that manufacturing is on the brink of extinction. She emphasized that the association recognizes the significant challenges posed by reliance on the oil sector, which include price volatility, environmental degradation, and limited economic diversification.

She added that to ensure economic sustainability, the country must diversify and develop critical sectors that drive the non-oil economy.

She stressed that several countries have successfully implemented manufacturing-driven non-oil export strategies to promote economic growth and diversification.

“Singapore is a remarkable example that has driven manufacturing to nonoil export as they focus on innovation, research, and development. To sustain this, we must prioritise investment in infrastructure, education, and research to develop a skilled and innovative workforce,” she said.

“We must develop policies that support manufacturing such as tax incentives, trade agreements, and access to finance, focus on the development of high value-added products and services that can compete globally.

“We in the manufacturing sector have challenges such as funds, market for the product, unhealthy competition, high production cost, lack of critical production inputs and unfriendly investment environment.”

The former Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said investment in the manufacturing sector was a master key to solving the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Dakuku who was the keynote speaker, explained that when support was being given to manufacturing, more persons would invest, innovate, generate more products, and become a source of earnings for the country

According to him, export-driven manufacturing can help to achieve high-growth trade and serve as import substitution.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, called for collaboration among the states in the southeast region to invest and support the manufacturing sector.

Ibezim a Special Guest Honour at the event, while describing Gov. Charles Soludo as a visionary leader, Ibezim said southeast states should learn from each other, cross-fertilize ideas, and begin to work on the challenges affecting the non-oil sector in the zone.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Chief Martin Agbaso, regretted that the country embarked on various structural adjustment programme discouraging exports and pushing forward imports.

He, however, urged all the local government councils to begin maximising various natural resources in their locality to move the nation forward.

The highlights of the event include the bestowing of awards to distinguished Nigerians, a gala Night, and dance session.