MAN identifies funds, infrastructural deficits as major setback
By Matthew Denis, Abuja
Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) of Nigeria has identified lack of finding and infrastructural deficits as major setback to industrial development.
Speaking at the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kwara and Kogi States branch held on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the National President of the Association, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, stressed the need for mutual-corporation between the agency and private sector to ensure a conducive environment for industrialists.
He said, “Infrastructure, transport, and finance are our major challenges confronting industrial sector in the country.
“We are appealing to the government to enhance loans for Industrialists and improved infrastructures and electricity for manufacturing activities to survive.”
He canvasses for more synergy between the association and the government to move the country forward.
The President said, “Without strong support from the government; it will be difficult for us to remain in operations in the country. We have to work closely with the government to grow our economy.”
According to him, in spite of COVID- 19 pandemic, the association remains resilient and committed and they were able to wax stronger.
In his welcome address, Bioku Rahmon, MAN chairman, Kwara and Kogi States branch, said the choice of the theme of the meeting was borne out of the recent implementation of AfCFTA now an act in Nigeria.
He expressed concern that Nigeria manufacturers despite their monumental infrastructural weakness and limitations are into competition with other African countries that are equipped with stronger infrastructures than Nigeria.
“Competing with manufactures from other African countries is no longer optional, thus, as industrialists, how do we brace up for this competition in the midst of our woeful and complicated infrastructural challenges and stand chance internationally?
“If we are to stand any chance of of making headway in this competition, the growth of industrialists in Nigeria must be quickly addressed by government.”
Rahmon, identified, high level of insecurity in Nigeria, sharp and continuous fall in in the value of Naira, high and fast-rising Nigeria’s debt profile and sundry, scarcity of foreign exchange currency, shrinking access to loan and high interest rates, and multiple taxation as challenges bedevilling manufacturing sector.
He urged the Federal and State Governments to rescue manufacturers by providing the required infrastructure and institutional backups to enable industrialists adopt the Africa -wide competition.
“We need government now than ever, we hope that governments will ultimately be responsive to our aforementioned requirements,” he added.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Arinola Lawal appreciated the body for complementing the government efforts in job creation.
Represented by Salman Abibat, Director of Finance and Supply, the commissioner informed that the state government is taking new dimension to transform Kwara to a vibrant economic state, as she promised to address their yearnings and improve on ease of doing business.
