MAN urges FG to resolve bidding constraints affecting ease of doing business

• Nigeria needs to establish synergy between trade, industrial policies for economic development-MAN

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that Nigeria at this point in its economic development needs to resolve the bidding constraints that affect ease of doing business in the country as well as establish synergy between its trade and industrial policies.

President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye dropped this hint in his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Edition of the Seventh Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Ninth Nigeria Raw Materials Expo with the theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria”, holding at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Meshioye said at the Seventh Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Ninth Nigeria Raw Materials Expo jointly organized the Nigerian Raw Materials Exposition (NIRAM) of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), that MAN appreciates the current administration support for the manufacturing sector particularly in ensuring that the operating environment becomes increasingly conducive to help businesses thrive notwithstanding the fast-growing competitive environment.

MAN, president stated that this annual market place for stakeholders affords all an opportunity to examine the state of the manufacturing sector and deliberate on the roadmap for development through the Manufacturers Partnership for African Development (mPAD) and Master Class Sessions.

According to him, both exhibitions have continued to serve a great purpose in improving the status of the nation’s manufacturing sector, particularly with the representation of the entire manufacturing value chain at the Expo Floor since inception in 2016.

He highlighted that through this annual event which provides a common ground for large manufacturing organizations and SMEs to explore new production processes that will increase their production output; MAN has taken the challenge of leading the manufacturing sector to play a vital role in the nation’s vision of becoming one of the leading industrialized economies in Africa.

“The NIRAM Expo is aimed at creating a platform where stakeholders in the raw materials supply chain will come together to synergize, display and trade in available resources and raw materials with the users of these products. With this in mind, we intend to close the information gaps and encourage local sourcing of available raw materials by manufacturing industries which is in line with the Government backward integration programme,” he said.

The theme of the 2023 EXPO is “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria”, he said, is apt as it is informed by the unprecedented rate in which our world is changing in terms of innovative technologies, shifting customer expectations, as well as increasing social awareness of gender equity and restoration of previously marginalized communities.

In his words: “These major shifts have a considerable impact on the future of the manufacturing sector. If manufacturers can efficiently balance a combination of efficient economies of production and supply chains; strong and reputable products; loyal customers; an established logistics network; as well as reliable on-line business elements, they will be well-positioned in the future to compete favourably in the industrial marketplace.

“By successfully assimilating advanced technologies into their systems, existing and prospective industrialists can expect to realize even greater revenue and profits from their investments. Improved political stability; growing investment prospects; business-friendly trade agreements; Industry 4.0; enforcement of policies empowering start-up and female manufacturers; in addition to governmental funding solutions, to name a few, are pivotal factors demonstrating a positive and thriving manufacturing future.”

He lamented that despite concerns that the continent lacks the requirements for global advancements to capitalise on innovative technological initiatives, African countries are uninhibited by infrastructure legacy challenges, thereby providing a higher degree of flexibility than their developed counterparts.

Accordingly, he said, Industry 4.0 remains a considerable opportunity for African manufacturers, ultimately giving the continent a cutting edge over the global economy.

“Beyond manufacturing, all industrial and commercial businesses in the country also suffer from energy inadequacy and inefficiency. It is for this reason that investors in the economy will continue to push for sustained effort to bring about significant improvement in the quantum, quality and consistent supply of electricity,” he added.

Meshioye affirmed that the vision of industrialized Nigeria would remain an illusion until we resolve the bidding constraints that affect ease of doing business in the country.

“Honourable Ministers, in going forward, Nigeria at this point in our economic development needs to establish synergy between our trade and industrial policies.

“It will be a great legacy if this is achieved during your tenure because industry and trade are under your portfolio. In addition, it will also be great if your tenure births a new Industrial Policy for the country,” he emphasized.

Meshioye stated further that MAN and RMRDC remain grateful and thank you most especially to the special guest of the event, Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr A.A. Aliyu and major sponsors namely, Shell Energy, Bank of Industry, Duplo and Lotus Bank for their commitment towards making this event a success as well as esteemed members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for their untiring support to the cause of the Association, as they continue to strive to transform the country to a fully industrialized economy.