MAN CALLS FOR STRONGER ACTION TO TURN INDUSTRIAL POLICY INTO GROWTH

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has called for effective implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, saying the framework must translate into measurable improvements in the country’s manufacturing sector. The association said implementation gaps, inconsistent policies and weak coordination have limited the impact of previous industrial policy efforts and urged stronger collaboration between government and industry to achieve the objectives of the new framework.

MAN President, Francis Meshioye, made the position known ahead of the association’s 54th Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold from October 5 to 7, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The AGM is themed “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub” and is expected to bring together manufacturers, government officials, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Meshioye said the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, launched by the Federal Government in February 2026 with technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, provides a framework for strengthening domestic production, deepening local value chains and promoting competitiveness and job creation. He stressed that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable prosperity by relying mainly on consumption, arguing that the country must increase production, add value to its resources, encourage innovation and improve its ability to compete in African and international markets.

The three-day AGM will feature several activities focused on manufacturing and industrial development. The first day will include the opening of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition, MiNE 2026, which will showcase products and capabilities of Nigerian manufacturers. The second day will feature the Public Session, Adeola Odutola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon, while the final day will be dedicated to the private AGM session for MAN members. Members will also participate in a session on bridging industrial skills gaps through smart and additive manufacturing, with discussions expected to focus on technology, productivity and competitiveness.

MAN Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the outlook for Nigerian manufacturing remained promising if the industrial policy was properly implemented. He said effective execution should lead to more competitive factories, stronger local supply chains, increased investment, higher productivity, sustainable employment and improved access to domestic and export markets. The association said it remained committed to engaging government and other stakeholders on policies that can create a more enabling environment for manufacturers and strengthen Nigeria’s position as an industrial hub in Africa.