By Niyi Jacobs
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is gearing up for its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold from October 22 to 24, 2024, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event is themed “The Imperatives of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector” and promises to be a pivotal moment for the association and its members.
In a press conference held on October 14, 2024, at MAN House, 77, Oba femi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Otunba Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the press to the conference. He highlighted the significant impact of the macroeconomic and policy environment on businesses in Nigeria and appreciated the media’s support in bringing the association’s advocacy positions and issues to the forefront of public discourse.
Meshioye noted that the manufacturing sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including a high and rising cost environment that has shrunk profitability and threatened the existence of many operators. He emphasized the need for an intentional development of the sector to address these challenges and create a thriving manufacturing sector that can drive job creation, productivity, and economic growth.
“The manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy, and it’s essential that we take deliberate steps to develop it,” Meshioye said. “We need to create an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation, and growth. We need to address the challenges facing the sector, such as the high cost of production, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to finance.”
The MAN President outlined the association’s resolve to birth a thriving manufacturing sector in Nigeria, despite the challenges facing the sector. He highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector to create an enabling environment for manufacturing to thrive.
“We believe that with the right policies and support, the manufacturing sector can drive economic growth and development in Nigeria,” Meshioye said. “We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to create an environment that encourages investment and growth.”
The 52nd AGM will feature a Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition, a members-only AGM Private Session, and the 4th Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon. The exhibition will showcase Made-in-Nigeria products, while the AGM Private Session will provide a platform for MAN members to engage with each other and with stakeholders. The 4th
