By Omolola Dede Adeyanju and Oluwaseun Ogunsola
Former Director, Federal Ministry of Indusry, Trade, and Investment, Abubakar Aliyu has reacted to the expected fuel subsidy removal as revealed to Nigerians by the recently emerged President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abubakar Aliyu speaking not for the government said, “subsidy is a burden to Nigeria and is not in anyway helpful to us. We hope the process will be smooth because we all know that for some time the government has been decrying the existence of subsidy.
“Through the removal of subsidy, we hope for advancement of the resources that we subsidized fuel for.”
The Ex-Director made this known during a session with Nigerian Newsdirect National Newspaper at the Equipments and Manufacturing Expo, a 3day exposition themed, ‘Reigniting manufacturing to drive economic growth and development’, which commenced yesterday.
He expressed his hopes that the event would help the SME to develop since they constitute the backbone of our manufacturing industries, not just for Nigeria but for exports also.
Likewise that the objectives of EMWA is achieved in encouraging manufacturers to be resilient to the numerous challenges faced by the manufacturing sectors, such as Energy, infrastructure challenges, to name a few.
He enumerated the government’s awareness of the challenges and resolved that they are also working asiduously to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He stated, ‘The conference sessions have been developed with the needs of professionals in mind and aim to serve as a platform for companies to share expertise and knowledge as well as a training environment where manufacturing staff can learn new skills and practices.
According to the founder, Equipment and manufacturing West Africa (EMWA) Expo and CEO, Zenith Exhibitions, Ambassador Joseph Oru, “EMWA is not merely an event, it is a dynamic hub where cutting-edge technologies, revolutionary processes and visionary minds converge. It is a platform where manufacturers, suppliers, industry experts and stakeholders come together to show case their latest advancements, exchange knowledge and forge fruitful collaborations.”
The second day of the Expo features a breakfast session where manufacturers, Start-ups, SMEs and stakeholders at large meet to profer solutions to challenges in the sector. Hence, the solutions policy documents are tendered to the government with due follow up to ensure execution.
He said, “beyond the impressive displays, the event will also foster an environment of knowledge sharing and professional growth through conferences, workshops and interactive sessions led by industrial experts, we aim to empower you with insights, strategies and tools to navigate the ever changing landscape of manufacturing.”
Amb. Joseph also added that as a part of EMWA’s CSR, the agency gave out over 10 free exhibition spaces to Start-ups and SMEs to further enhance marketing objectives.
Regional business line Manager, (Sub Sahara Africa), Atlas Copco Nigeria Ltd, Engr. Olusola Aluko, reiterated the relevance of the Exposition and Atlas Copco’s partnership with the EMWA Expo, stating that the relationship between manufacturers and OEM must grow stronger, “this platform enables both sides to get sustainable solutions through interactions.”
Enumerating the progress recorded through the EMWA and impacts of the Exposition on his brand as an exhibitor, Mr Olusola explained, “we won’t be supporting the event if it hasn’t been a ‘win-win’ for both sides. For the past three years we have recorded tremendous impacts from our top clients, that is why we continue to take part in it.”
He hopes that 2024 edition will be better with customers, OEM profound relationships and more exhibitors to showcase more advanced products and services.