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By Merit Ibe
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is set to host a closed-door Manufacturers Summit with the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies from June 4 to 6, 2024, at the Banquet/Conference Hall, State House, Abuja.
The three-day summit themed: “Rethinking Manufacturing,” is organised in partnership with the Presidency; Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and EY.
According to the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the program is necessitated by the state of the manufacturing sector, which has remained a major concern to the Government, industrialists and Nigerians.
“Evidently, the theme underscores the need for practical solutions to the myriad of challenges limiting manufacturing performance through the adoption of innovative strategies that can guarantee higher productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.”
According to the association, President Bola Tinubu, will be the special guest of honour at the summit and will preside over the opening ceremony.
“Senator Kashim Shettima will superintend the afternoon session. Clearly, the presence of the Presidency underscores the commitment of the government to the revitalisation of manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
Manufacturers are expectant that the engagements would provide valuable insights on the policy direction, expectations of the government and practical solutions to the binding constraints.The Summit will feature focus group discussions between top level government officials, industry operators and experts; insightful presentations on emerging trends and best practices in manufacturing; exhibition of made-in-Nigeria Products; networking opportunities for collaboration and partnership building; showcasing of innovative products, technologies, and solutions in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. “Specifically, the focus group technical session will bring together relevant Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies, top-level CEOs of manufacturing concerns, Continental Trade Institutions, subject matter experts, Academia, under one roof to discuss the five pillars of the summit. “These pillars and by extension the focus points of the summit include how to: Promote growth, upscale productivity and improve and competitiveness. Enhance energy security and infrastructure development. Improve macroeconomic environment, ease of doing business and periscoping our ESG; Improve patronage of made-in-Nigeria products and local content development and Leverage regional and continental trade for export development.
In addition, MAN noted that the summit will delve into critical discussions on how to achieve sustained manufacturing growth through the creation of conducive business environment, guaranteeing security, boosting agricultural production and strengthening supply chain resilience by leveraging technology.
“Finally, the expectation is to reach a consensus with the Federal Government on the imperatives for intentional development of manufacturing in Nigeria and the crafting of a time-framed strategic roadmap for the resolution of the identified challenges and attainment of steady growth for the sector.”
