MAN’s Industrialisation Process Deepen Economic Growth of Kwara State
The Manufacturing sector in Kwara has received the commendation of the state government for its contribution to the economic growth of the State, following its growth from 41 active companies 41 in 2019 to 77 in 2022.
The Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave the commendation at the Annual General Meeting, (AGM) and commissioning of the secretariat of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), stressing that the local economy has recorded huge improvement over the last three years of his administration.
AbdulRazaq explained that the growth in the number of functional firms has impacted positively on the standards of living of the people of the state.
According to the governor, the percentage of functional companies in Kwara has grown from just 41 firms in 2019 to 77 in 2022, representing at least 87.8% over the last three years.
He stated further that notwithstanding the national economic challenges, he was impressed by the resilience and consistent growth of the Kwara economy, adding that from just four skeletal flights in 2019, the state now has some 12 flights every day to and from the state capital, Ilorin.
“As of July 19, 2022, we had just 15 C of O waiting for printing, with just 46 R of O and 15 Assignments also awaiting printing. Otherwise, we have ensured that the government’s processes are done expeditiously. We are similarly working on other proposals to improve the business climate in Kwara,” he disclosed.
He posited that the rising inflation and security challenges in the country are surmountable through collaboration with everybody playing their best roles, stressing that the government’s commitment to assist the business community is evident in its ease of doing business campaigns and infrastructural development across the state.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to minimise communal conflicts as well as strengthen security of lives and properties.
In his speech, the National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr Mansur Ahmed, described MAN as the backbone of economic development and sustainable growth and commended the efforts of the Governor AbdulRazaq administration to improve the business climate in Kwara State.
Ahmed said “I have no doubt that (Your Excellency is) aware of the position and significance of the manufacturing sector in our economy. I am aware that you have indeed done a lot for the past three years to improve the environment for investors and particularly those in the manufacturing sector.
“I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for this.”
“Manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy. Because it is a sector that provides and sustains wealth creation. It is a sector that provides jobs on a continuous and sustainable basis and it is a sector that drives capacity building and improves economic resilience,” he added.
He pledged the association’s continued partnership to encourage industrial growth in the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, MAN’s Chairman for Kwara/Kogi States branch, Pharmacist Bioku Rahman, lauded the government for its giant strides, creating an enabling atmosphere to grow businesses through the creation of Ease of Doing Business Council as well as other business-friendly policies in the State.
Rahman said “Your Excellency, your decision to grace this event symbolizes your recognition of the manufacturing industry as a key driver of our economy in Nigeria.
“Your government has also displayed this in policy advancement, including the inauguration of the Ease of Doing Business Council in Kwara State, and the decision to co-opt MAN into the expanded caucus of the Council.”
