The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has made a strong case for policy interventions to unlock the manufacturing sector’s full potential.
Speaking at the 2025 Manufacturing Conference in Lagos, Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that the Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to boost the sector.
Ajayi-Kadir urged the government to swiftly and effectively implement the Nigeria First Initiative and four tax reform bills aimed at streamlining the tax system.
He also recommended making the Nigeria First Policy a binding law with penalties for violators to ensure transparency, public awareness, and enforcement.
The MAN DG called for investing significantly in critical transport infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and industrial corridors, to reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve market access.
He also emphasized the need for establishing structured platforms for regular consultations with manufacturers to align policies with industry needs.
Ajayi-Kadir noted that despite recent improvements in infrastructure, only 37% of roads are in good condition, increasing production and transportation costs and making Nigerian products less competitive.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, said foreign investors are entering Nigeria despite economic challenges, seeing opportunities where locals see hurdles.
He urged Nigerian manufacturers to explore abundant opportunities within the country to boost their enterprises.
Adetunji Aderinto, founder of Zetamind Consulting Limited, advised manufacturers to reduce costs through technology adoption and data utilization.
Olusola Obadimu, Director General of NACCIMA, called on the Federal Government and CBN to curb inflation and urged state governments to focus on people-centric development.
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