MAN 50th Anniversary: FG promises support, commends it’s contributions to GDP
By Charles Okonji
As the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) clocks 50, the Federal Government has pledged its continuous support to the association, commending it for its numerous contributions to the development of the country’s economy, especially in the area of job creation and GDP growth.
Appriciating MAN, the government noted that with over $40 billion manufacturing outputs and the employment of over seven million Nigerians, for the past 20 years, it will continue to support the manufacturing sector until the country is fully industrialized.
This assurance was given by Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, gave this assurance during the 50th-anniversary cake-cutting ceremony of the MAN recently in Abuja.
Adebayo noted that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector had actually come a long way, since the establishment of MAN, stressing the quantum of growth that has been achieved, especially the increase in manufacturing total outputs by over 40 billion US dollars, for the last 20 years, in addition to employing close to seven million Nigerians.
“We have seen amazing growth in the cement sector which has witnessed incredible growth in terms of producing enough capacity for local consumption and for exporting to neighboring countries.
“The outlook for the country’s manufacturing sector is extremely positive. For example, the development of the private sector’s crude oil refineries and various other backward integration projects will ultimately yield significant benefits for the economy, and help to establish Nigeria as one of the top manufacturing economies in Africa.
“I am extremely proud of the role this association plays in ensuring that products manufactured by its members are of the highest standards. It’s my wish and expectations that the next 50 years will bring greater success and prosperity to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House of Senate Committee on Industries, Senator Saidu Alkali, noted that no other sector of the economy is more important than the manufacturing sector in developing the economy by providing quality employment and guaranteeing the payment of sustainable wages which in turns help to reduce poverty.
“On our part at the National Assembly, we shall not hesitate to always prioritize legislation and other intervention which are geared towards enhancing productivity, and making our country a fully industrialized nation which we all desired,” he said.
Also, the Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Shamsudeen Ahmed, commended MAN for playing a significant role in pulling the country out from trying times, such as the recessions and the COVID -19 pandemic.
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Technical Planning, Fatima Hayattu said, “MAN, you have done well, and the ministry will continue to partner and encourage you in carrying out your duties. We will continue to work closely with MAN to see that manufacturers get all the support and assistance they need to carry out their duties.”
