The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the success of the ‘Nigeria First Policy’ hinges on its deliberate and inclusive implementation to ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
As the policy aims to strengthen local industries and promote economic growth, MAN’s input highlights the importance of careful planning and execution to achieve its objectives.
Francis Meshioye, president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who made this known on Tuesday at a press briefing on the association’s upcoming 53rd Annual General Meeting in Lagos, said the Nigeria First Policy is a turning point for the nation as it seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialisation, and national pride.
According to him, by mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the federal government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.
He noted that the country’s economic environment has remained challenging, but it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth.
“The Nigeria First Policy is more than a policy directive; it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer-driven economy to a productive economy,” Meshioye said.
“We must, however, emphasize that while the policy holds immense promise, its success depends on inclusive and deliberate implementation,” he added, while calling on manufacturers, SMEs, policy makers and Nigerians to play their part.
He noted that the task ahead requires addressing long-standing structural challenges, infrastructure, regulations, financing gaps, and capacity building, saying that only through coordinated action, sustained investment and accountability can Nigeria unlock the policy potential.
Speaking on MAN’s upcoming AGM, the president said that the event provides an excellent platform to deepen conversation on the Nigeria First Policy.
He said the theme for this year’s AGM is “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria,” explaining that it underscores Nigeria’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.
He announced Aliko Dangote, Africa’s renowned industrialist, as the distinguished guest for the event, describing his entrepreneurial story as an epitome of the Nigeria first spirit.
“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers and oil refinery. His investment has redefined Nigeria’s industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs and reduced dependence on imports.”
“His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme and his presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria’s Industrial growth.”
Meshioye said the three-day event, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, features a line-up of activities that is rich and impactful.
