MAN President Urges Production for Nigeria's Prosperity

Otunba Francis Meshioye, the president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), asserted that Nigeria cannot sustainably consume its way to prosperity, emphasizing the necessity for production, value addition, innovation, and competition. This statement was made during a media briefing for the 54th Annual General Meeting of MAN, scheduled from October 5 to October 7, 2026, in Lagos, themed ‘Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub’.

Meshioye highlighted that manufacturing is crucial for economic resilience, job creation, and innovation. He pointed out that the challenging operating environment, characterized by high production costs, limited access to finance, and infrastructure deficits, continues to impact manufacturers.

He also noted the importance of strengthening domestic productive capacity to reduce reliance on external supply chains. On tax reforms, Meshioye mentioned MAN's ongoing engagement with the government to ensure clarity and consistency, advocating for reforms that enhance investment and competitiveness.

He concluded that Nigeria's abundant resources and entrepreneurial capacity must be harnessed through coherent industrial policies.