The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has emphasized the need for effective and disciplined implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 to strengthen domestic production and position Nigeria as Africa's industrial hub. MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, stated this at a press conference ahead of the Association's 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will focus on translating the National Industrial Policy into measurable industrial outcomes.
The 54th AGM, scheduled to hold from October 5 to 7, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will provide a platform for manufacturers, government officials, policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to examine how the National Industrial Policy can position Nigeria as Africa's industrial hub. The theme of the AGM, 'Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa's Industrial Hub,' reflects the need to harness Nigeria's large market, abundant resources, entrepreneurial capacity, and human capital.
Meshioye described the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 as an important roadmap for strengthening the country's industrial base, deepening domestic value chains, and placing production, competitiveness, and job creation at the center of Nigeria's economic recovery strategy. The policy, formally launched by the Federal Government in February 2026, seeks greater coordination among critical enablers of industrialization, including energy, infrastructure, finance, skills, trade, and innovation.
However, Meshioye noted that the success of the policy would depend largely on effective and disciplined implementation, pointing out that previous industrial development frameworks had often been constrained by implementation gaps, policy inconsistency, and weak coordination. He stated that for manufacturers, implementation must be reflected in factories operating more competitively, stronger local supply chains, increased investment, improved productivity, sustainable jobs, and greater access to domestic and export markets.
The MAN President announced that the former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, would be the Distinguished Guest Speaker at the 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture. The three-day programme will combine the promotion of Made-in-Nigeria products, high-level policy engagement, accountability to MAN members, and discussions on the future of manufacturing.
The AGM will feature the opening of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE 2026), where Nigerian manufacturers will showcase locally produced goods and engage consumers, investors, government representatives, and other stakeholders. The exhibition will run throughout the three days and will be open to the public. On the second day, a public session, 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture, and Presidential Luncheon will be held, with senior government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders expected to participate.
On the final day of the AGM, members will consider the Association's Annual Report and audited accounts and conduct other statutory business, including the election of officers and members of MAN's National Council for the 2026/2027 year. A value-added session, titled 'Bridging Industrial Skill Gaps with Smart and Additive Manufacturing: A Manufacturing Imperative,' will expose members to emerging manufacturing technologies and the skills required to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Key points
- Effective implementation of Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 critical to strengthening domestic production.
