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By Merit Ibe
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the severe impact of insecurity on industrial activities in Nigeria’s North East, revealing that about 60 per cent of industries in the region have been grounded.
Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir made the disclosure while receiving members of the executive council of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) during a courtesy visit in Lagos, yesterday.
According to him, persistent security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent attacks, have created a hostile business environment that has forced many manufacturers to suspend operations, while numerous industrial facilities have been abandoned.
He explained that the prolonged insecurity has disrupted supply chains, increased production costs and displaced industries that previously played key roles in economic growth, job creation and industrial development across the region.
The MAN director general noted that concerns over the safety of personnel, equipment and investments have discouraged many investors from establishing or expanding manufacturing operations in the Northeast. He added that the closure and relocation of industries have resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs, worsened poverty and reduced economic opportunities for residents of the affected states.
Ajayi-Kadir urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in the region, stressing that sustainable industrial growth cannot thrive amid insecurity.
According to him, improved security conditions would encourage displaced manufacturers to return, attract fresh investments and revive economic activities across the Northeast.
He also called for targeted government support for affected industries through infrastructure development, improved access to finance and incentives designed to rebuild the region’s industrial base.
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Despite the challenges, Ajayi-Kadir expressed optimism that the Northeast could regain its status as a major manufacturing and commercial hub if security improves and government interventions are sustained.
The MAN chief commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking bold steps to reform the economy, noting that some of the administration’s policies were beginning to yield positive results. However, he lamented that many Nigerians had yet to fully benefit from the reforms due to the activities of economic saboteurs.
He further advocated aggressive industrialisation as a means of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods and strengthening the national economy.
Ajayi-Kadir also praised the Dangote Refinery, saying its operations had provided significant relief for Nigerians, particularly amid concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region could have triggered higher domestic petroleum prices.
He assured manufacturers that MAN would continue to champion policies aimed at addressing challenges facing the sector and protecting the interests of its members.
Describing the media as a vital partner in national development, he pledged the association’s continued support for CICAN in carrying out its professional responsibilities.
Earlier, CICAN Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the association and MAN.
Hassan added that CICAN had concluded plans to intensify advocacy for the Made-in-Nigeria campaign as part of efforts to support local manufacturers and contribute to national economic development.
