Lagos:The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on stakeholders to focus on promoting made-in-Nigeria products during election periods to boost industrialization and enhance the manufacturing sector’s role in economic growth. This appeal was made by MAN’s President, Francis Meshioye, during the opening of the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition in Lagos, which coincided with the association’s 54th Annual General Meeting.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Meshioye emphasized the importance of supporting local products, particularly by the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, and government agencies, as the national, state, and local government elections approach. He stressed that this period offers a chance to showcase commitment to local manufacturing.
Meshioye highlighted existing policies like Executive Orders 003 and 005 and the Nigeria First Policy as efforts to promote domestic production, urging President Bola Tinubu to expedite their implementation. He also called for sanctions against government entities that fail to comply with these directives.
The exhibition, held for the eighth consecutive year, aims to demonstrate the ability of Nigerian manufacturers to produce high-quality, competitive goods despite economic challenges. Increased patronage of local products is seen as essential for scaling production, boosting capacity utilization, creating jobs, and enhancing government revenue.
Meshioye also pointed out that achieving the goal of positioning Nigeria as Africa’s industrial hub requires more than domestic production; it necessitates an environment where manufacturers can operate competitively. He identified challenges such as high energy costs, access to finance, and regulatory issues as barriers to competitiveness and investment.
Prof. Ayo Omotayo of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies highlighted the significance of a robust manufacturing sector for economic development, citing examples from countries like India, China, and South Korea. He stressed the need for effective policy implementation and addressing energy costs to enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
Omotayo also suggested the creation of manufacturing clubs in universities to foster innovation and collaboration between academia and industry, while Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir of MAN mentioned ongoing efforts to engage universities in strengthening academia-industry collaboration as part of Nigeria’s industrialization strategy.