By The Nation,Yinka Adeniran

Copyright thenationonlineng

Manufacturers in the Southwest, under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) covering Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, have called on the Federal Government to fully implement the Nigeria First Policy, stressing that the nation can only thrive by depending largely on what it produces.

The call was made on Tuesday during the association’s 42nd Annual General Meeting, where members also urged governors in the region to drive conversations that would position manufacturing as a stronger pillar of Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the event, the National President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, represented by the association’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the government must lead by example through compulsory patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods.

“It is in this context that we urge the Federal Government to give effect to the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy. This should involve mandatory patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by all ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the legislature and judiciary at all levels. We strongly opine that there should be consequences for failing to comply with this policy,” he stated.

“We look forward to all our Executive governors addressing and engaging in discussion that will shape strategies for manufacturing to play a more significant role in Nigeria’s economy.”

He lauded the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states for implementing initiatives to support manufacturing in their respective states.

He said, “We commend the Oyo State government for coming to the aid of manufacturers and other business concerns by awarding the contract for the rehabilitation of the Oluyole Industrial Road Layout after decades of neglect.

“As a follow-up to this, we would like to reiterate our readiness of our members to support road network and drainage rehabilitation in exchange for tax breaks, in the spirit of public-private sector partnerships, and to widen the scope of infrastructure development of the state.

He commended the Osun State government for the notable progress made in the area of infrastructure, noting that the infrastructure improvements were vital for manufacturers, who depend on reliable transport networks to move both raw materials and finished products.

“I want to commend Your Excellency on the notable progress made in infrastructure development, with particular attention to upgrading roads and bridges that support the smooth movement of goods.

“These improvements are vital for manufacturers, who depend on reliable transport networks to move both raw materials and finished products. In addition, the state government collaborates with development partners, such as the Bank of Industry, to provide manufacturers with access to funds that strengthen their operations.

“The government is also investing in the digital economy, a move expected to boost innovation and enhance telecommunications within the manufacturing sector,” Meshioye added.

He, however, urged the governors to look into the area of electricity supply, noting that it has been a major challenge for manufacturers in the state.

“Electricity supply remains a major challenge for manufacturers in Osun State. We therefore implore the Governor to fully seize the opportunity of the power sector reform to generate power for the state. Also, the industrial areas have security concerns, including communal clashes, and we hope that the government will redouble efforts to guarantee a peaceful environment for business activities.

“We are also lauding the Ondo State government for implementing initiatives to support manufacturing, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“In Ekiti state, we commend the government for its liberal tax regime and the ease of land allocation to manufacturers. This has enabled entrepreneurs to expand their business concerns in the state and to the state.”

Meshioye, while urging the Oyo government to fix the challenges of multiple taxes and levies, also appealed to the Ondo state government to look into the challenges of poor infrastructure in road networks, water supply, and storage facilities, which he said were hindering the transportation of goods.

He also appealed to the Ekiti state government to fix the “infrastructure deficit, which remains a constant challenge, including unstable power supply and bad roads.”

In his address, the Secretary to the Osun state government, Teslim Igbalaye, said the administration is committed to prioritising local manufacturers in government procurement.

He said, “This is why our administration is reforming education and vocational training to raise skilled problem-solvers. We are investing in STEM, building technical partnerships, and creating apprenticeship programmes directly linked to industry needs.

“Local content development is equally essential. My administration is committed to prioritising local manufacturers in government procurement while strengthening linkages between agriculture, mining, and manufacturing to ensure easier access to raw materials.

“We are accelerating industrialisation by revitalising the Free Trade Zone, reviving moribund industries, and encouraging skills development and entrepreneurship among our youths. Working with Osun State University, we developed an Industrial Development Policy anchored on the Triple Helix Model, a partnership between government, industry, and academia to drive economic transformation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction.”

Speaking after his re-election, the branch chairman, Dr Samuel Olawoye, assured members of the association of his determination to work much better for the growth of the branch.

Olawoye said, “Our members should expect better environments for them to operate than before because we will not relent in our efforts to ensure liaison between our office and the government. We expect that the government will continue to cooperate with the sector to grow.”