MAN urges consumers to embrace MIN products, says excessive importation worsening unemployment 

*The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria decries the citizens’ recourse to imported products has contributed significantly to the current high unemployment rate in the West African country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In order to grow the economy, create jobs, and increase contribution to government revenue, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has advocated support for the manufacturing sector to scale production through increase capacity utilisation and adequate patronage.

MAN, at a recent ‘Made-in-Nigeria exhibition’, said the recourse to imported produce by Nigerians has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s current high unemployment rate.

Local textile products

Mansur Ahmed, President of the Association, stated this during the exhibition which featured as a curtain-raiser for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the apex group for manufacturing business entities in Nigeria.

Mansur said the Executive Orders 003 and 005, which indicate the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to growing domestic production through the patronage of locally produced goods, should be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance with the order.

“In order to grow the economy, create jobs and increase contribution to government revenue, the manufacturing sector must be supported to scale production through increase capacity utilisation and adequate patronage.

“On our part, I want to assure you that the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the sector as a whole will rise to the occasion and ensure that it builds on the existing capacities and continue to improve on the quality and competitiveness of its product,” MAN President said.

He also said: “Let me therefore, welcome you and urge you to move around the exhibition ground and see the existence to which the manufacturing sector can meet the desire of Nigerians for a self-reliant economy.

“Indeed, given the size of the Nigerian market, achieving self-reliance will not only strengthen and deepen our economy, it will position us to play a dominant role in continental market.”

Speaking at the event, Hassan Adamu, former President of MAN, noted it is imperative for Nigeria and Nigerians to support local produce.

George Onafowokan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Coleman Technical Industries Limited, also told The Punch, that Made-in-Nigeria (MIN) products remained a crucial component of the economy as it currently provides employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

Onafowokan urged Nigerian consumers to reduce patronage of foreign goods and support locally made goods to grow the country’s economy.