In a bid to enhance the economy and bolster the country’s currency on the global stage, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to provide backing to local producers.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives aimed at increasing production in the South East region through the ‘Light-up Nigeria’ Project, MAN highlighted the importance of government support in advancing the naira’s value against foreign currencies and ensuring economic stability.
During the inauguration of the Light-up Nigeria Project – South East in Enugu, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, the Chairman of MAN in Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, emphasized the significance of patronizing locally made goods by all levels of government. This, she explained, would encourage local production, boost productivity, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The Light-up project, which was kickstarted by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to enhance energy supply to industrial clusters across the South East and the nation at large.
MAN proposed that the government could promote locally manufactured goods and discourage reliance on foreign alternatives by raising tariffs on imported products. Additionally, providing incentives such as reducing customs duties on raw materials and machinery, as well as facilitating access to foreign exchange for importing essential materials, would further support local manufacturers.
Expressing optimism about the impact of the Light-up South East Project in alleviating sectoral challenges, the manufacturers hailed the initiative as a significant step towards addressing the hurdles faced by the region, known as the “commercial hub” of the country.
Highlighting the critical role of energy in driving the sector, Lady Chukwudozie underscored the importance of consistent power supply for manufacturing activities. She acknowledged the efforts made by Governors, including Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in partnership with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), towards improving the power situation in the region.
In supporting food security and alleviating hardships, MAN urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate security for farmers, provide necessary farming tools and high-quality seeds. This, they argued, would enhance food and commodity production, thus fostering export-oriented industrialization, rural industries, and resource-based industrial growth.
Stressing the need for government attention to resource-based productivity, Chukwudozie emphasized the importance of securing farmers, incentivizing them, and providing essential tools to drive agricultural productivity and industrial growth.