MAN moves to improve value chain for manufacturers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Tuesday unveiled plans to support the improvement of value chain in the manufacturing sector to enhance competitiveness and promote job creation.

The President of MAN, Mr Mansur Ahmed, made this known in Lagos at a news conference organised by the association to announce its 47th Annual General Meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged “Improving Value Chain in the Manufacturing Sector for Competitiveness and Job Creation’’, will hold from Sept. 2 to Sep. 4, in Lagos.

Ahmed in his address, explained that the event was aimed at highlighting the significance of improved manufacturing value chain linkages in the efforts to make the sector more competitive.

He noted that it would also contribute more to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create more jobs for Nigerians.

The MAN boss urged the government to give clarification on which foods were banned for importation.

“We believe that why there is need to start using local inputs, it cannot happen overnight,’’ Ahmed said.

He noted that both the small and medium scale enterprises and larger manufacturers need importation of products for their inputs in production.

According to him, denying them foreign exchange will affect competitiveness of the industry.

“One of the problems is that manufacturers have to import their products and when they stop foreign exchange supply to them, that will immediately affect their operations.

“It will also affect the cost of their production and possibly the price of the products,’’ Ahmed said.

Ahmed further pledged the association’s support in reaching out to relevant ministries and security agencies to work together for the improvement of the agency.

“We are working with Raw Material Research and Development Council on how we can improve linkages between sub-sectors so that more manufacturers can use local products that can improve their efficiency and improve cost structure.

“We pray that the action that is meant to improve our security does not also, on the other hand, undermine the effectiveness of our manufacturing sector; thereby increasing prices of food in the market,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to support the growth of the manufacturing industry by patronising made-in-Nigeria products.

NAN reports that activities planned for the Annual General Meeting include an exhibition of made-in-Nigeria products, which is to run throughout the event; the 4th Manufacturers’ Annual Lecture; private and interactive sessions; and a road show.

-NAN