Manufacturers call for synergy to improve economy

The Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the federal and state governments to synergise with relevant stakeholders to improve the economy.

They said the call was necessary so that the Federal and state Governments, together with their agencies, will work and fashion out appropriate strategies to improve and stabilise the economy.

MAN’s President, Mansur Ahmed, yesterday, in an address at the Yearly General Meeting/Fifth Made-in-Nigeria Products Exhibition by Rivers/Bayelsa state branches, called on government of the two states to institute a more effective and efficient consultative mechanism with the association. Ahmed noted that this is the only sector with the highest contributors to jobs.

He explained that the move would ensure sustenance of existing manufacturing companies that are on the verge of collapse under the weight of overwhelming infrastructure and other challenges.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Vice President of MAN, Eastern zone, Chukwuemeka Nzewi, appealed to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for a special focus on Eleme road, leading to Onne port, where the companies are situated. He also appealed to the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to do extensive work on the road infrastructure and drainage in the state to reduce the incidence of flooding, which was identified as a major challenge faced by manufacturers.

He said: “I would like to state the manufacturing sector has been acknowledged as the highest contributor to jobs and wealth creation, skill development and technology transfer.

“It is, therefore, imperative for Rivers and Bayelsa governments to institute a more effective and efficient consultative mechanism with MAN.

“Also, the lackluster performance of the national economy has made it imperative for us to rethink the country’s development strategy so that we can avoid the unpleasant consequences of economic recession and reversal of the modest progress we have recorded since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

“To this end, it is necessary that the federal and state governments, together with their agencies, work in synergy in fashioning appropriate strategies to improve and stabilise the economy.

“However, we appeal for special focus on Eleme Road leading to Onne port where the companies, including Indorama Group, Notore Chemical Industries Ltd, and Port Harcourt Refinery are situated.”