The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for urgent tax harmonisation, improved infrastructure, reliable power supply and stable government policies to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and drive sustainable industrial growth.
The appeal was made during the 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ogun Branch of MAN held in Abeokuta, with the theme: “Building a Resilient Manufacturing Sector: Surmounting the Challenges of Fiscal and Regulatory Policies and Tariffs.”
Speaking at the event, MAN President, Francis Meshioye, said manufacturers have borne the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms over the past three years, leading to rising production costs, reduced investments and increasing operational challenges.
According to him, building a resilient manufacturing sector requires the ability to withstand economic shocks, adapt to policy changes, remain competitive and continue creating jobs despite prevailing economic conditions.
Meshioye identified predictable fiscal policies, smart regulation, affordable energy, improved infrastructure, access to single-digit interest loans and protection against unfair imports as key measures needed to reposition the sector.
He urged governments at all levels to ensure that taxes, levies and tariffs remain predictable, while regulatory agencies should focus on supporting industrial growth rather than prioritising revenue generation.
The MAN president disclosed that the association has secured concessions on safety audit fees and facilitated discussions on water abstraction charges and environmental compliance. However, he stressed that multiple taxation and the poor condition of industrial roads remain major challenges requiring urgent government intervention.
“We need sustained public-private dialogue, harmonisation of regulatory requirements and the rehabilitation of industrial roads in Agbara, Ota and Sagamu,” Meshioye said.
He also called for improved access to finance, stable electricity supply and foreign exchange, urging the Federal Government to provide clarity on the implementation of the 2025 tax laws, reject retroactive taxation and direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to settle outstanding foreign exchange forward obligations owed to manufacturers.
