By Harris Emanuel
Uyo– Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has stressed the need for Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and State governments to synergize to improve and stabilize the economy by accommodating critical stakeholders in fashioning out appropriate strategies.
President of M.A.N, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, stated this at the 15th Annual General Meeting/Public Lecture of Cross River, Akwa Ibom branch in Uyo, saying that this became necessary because manufacturing remains one of the largest sectors in wealth creation, skills development and technology transfer.
While commenting on the importance of good road network, Ahmed noted that there was need for partnership between the Federal and State governments for total rehabilitation of roads to boost movement of manufacturing activities and encourage economic development.
He made case for appropriate incentives and infrastructure to be made available to business operations as a way of encouragement to investors to come and invest
The M.A.N president noted that manufacturers would be excited when government at all levels intensify efforts in encouraging investment to manufacturing, facilitating the establishment of industrial parks, granting incentives to manufacturers as well as promoting industrial expansion and employment generation.
He stressed the need for governments to harmonize taxes, especially local government and road- related levies to aid compliance by the association’s members, remove the use of inflation, exploitation and harassment by governments’ officials.
Engr. Ahmed called on the Federal and States governments to institute a more effective and efficient consultative mechanism with MAN to ensure the sustenance of the existing manufacturing companies and check some which are at the verge of collapse due to outweigh of infrastructural and other challenges.
He used the occasion to commend Governor Udom Emmanuel for his giant strides in road Infrastructure and tackling insecurity, and appealed more focus on roads that need urgent attention.
The chairman of MAN, Cross River/Akwa Ibom branch, Chief Giandomenica Massari noted that the association in the last one year as a branch has introduced several innovations.
He said, “we have raised the in building better relationship with federal and state governments, ministries, Department and Agencies, Commercial banks media houses in the state and other business relationships.
“We have further strengthened the implementation of the made-in- Nigeria exhibition, we are reviewing well-structured programmes for MAN member-companies, through our seminar and workshop committee and have had a very vibrant and we’ll equipped secretariat.
While extolling the role of manufacturing to harness the nation’s economy by creating jobs, transferring technology and establish capacity building on the workmanship, Massari enjoined all Nigerians to join hands with leaders to move the state and country forward.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Camillus Umoh, commended the association for contributing to raising Gross Domestic Products, (GDPs), as well as boost the state’s economy.
Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Oliver Udokpo, the commissioner made reference to the recent concluded AKISAN meeting in USA where made-in-Akwa Ibom products and delicacies were at exhibited.
While applauding the industry of Akwa Ibom people, the commissioner assured that the ministry would continue to encourage and promote the completion agenda of the governor.
Umoh, who disclosed that the state has attracted the Bank of Industry and provided the financial institution a facility to commence services, pledged government’s continuous cooperation with MAN for effective service delivery.
On his part, the governor of Cross River, Professor Ben Ayade, who was represented by the commissioner for commerce, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, lauded the good work of MAN and pledged to partner to achieve good results.
Regional Head, Nigerian Export Import, Soni Oseghale, spoke on the theme of the meeting: “Challenges of FX Sourcing; the Manufacturers’ perspective, Export Windows Available and Thinking Outside the Box.”
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