The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy could significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods and boost local manufacturing. According to MAN president, Otunba Francis Meshioye, the policy has the potential to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian products if properly implemented. He made this statement at a media briefing ahead of the Association’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
The Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, which is the focus of this year’s AGM, addresses fundamental challenges confronting the manufacturing sector, including skills gaps, supply chain weaknesses, and competitiveness. Meshioye noted that effective implementation of the policy would strengthen local supply chains, improve product quality and innovation, and position Nigerian manufacturers to compete in continental and international markets. The policy, he said, speaks to basic things, including skills, and would enable the country to compete globally.
Meshioye explained that the Nigeria First Policy signals a deliberate shift towards prioritising locally manufactured goods and encouraging Nigerians to patronise domestic products. He noted that although previous initiatives, including Executive Orders 003 and 005, sought to promote local patronage, the introduction of the Nigeria First Policy and the establishment of an office to drive its implementation demonstrated a renewed commitment by the government. This, he said, shows that the government is serious about promoting local products.
However, Meshioye stressed that the policy must move beyond declarations to concrete actions that deliver measurable results for local manufacturers. He emphasised that the intention behind the policy should not remain in limbo, but rather be backed by actions that would make it work. According to him, the policy’s success depends on the government’s ability to translate it into tangible outcomes that benefit local manufacturers.
Nigeria’s large domestic market presents an opportunity for manufacturers to expand production and stimulate economic growth if locally made products receive adequate patronage. Meshioye said that the theme of the 54th AGM, “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub,” was designed to examine how the policy could be translated into measurable industrial outcomes. The AGM aims to explore ways to harness the potential of the policy to drive industrial growth.
The MAN president expressed delight at the participation of former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Kandeh Yumkella, as the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the AGM. He said that the Association values Yumkella’s contributions to industrial development and looks forward to his insights on the policy. The AGM is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the policy and its implications for Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria is confident that the Nigeria First Policy can have a positive impact on the country’s economy if implemented effectively. With the policy’s focus on promoting local manufacturing and patronage, MAN believes that Nigeria can reduce its dependence on imports, boost economic growth, and become a major industrial hub in Africa. The Association will continue to engage with the government to ensure that the policy is implemented in a way that benefits local manufacturers.
Key points
- The Nigeria First Policy aims to reduce import dependence and boost local manufacturing.
- Effective implementation of the policy is crucial to achieving its objectives.
- The policy has the potential to position Nigeria as a major industrial hub in Africa.
