MAN Seeks Stronger Implementation of Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Manufacturing Hub
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for stronger implementation of the National Industrial Policy 2025 to transform Nigeria into a competitive industrial hub in Africa.
The President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, made the call in Lagos while speaking at a media briefing ahead of the Association’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold from October 5 to 7, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Meshioye said the manufacturing sector remained a critical pillar of a resilient economy, stressing that it creates jobs, drives innovation, strengthens domestic value chains and transforms local resources into economic prosperity.
He, however, noted that manufacturers continued to face challenges including high production and energy costs, limited access to affordable finance, infrastructure deficits, inflationary pressures and exchange-rate volatility.
According to him, the challenges underscore the need for macroeconomic stability, improved infrastructure, affordable long-term financing, a stable foreign exchange environment and a predictable regulatory framework.
The MAN president also highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between government and the private sector, noting that sustainable industrial growth could not depend solely on the resilience of manufacturers.
On the National Industrial Policy 2025, Meshioye said its formal launch by the Federal Government in February 2026 represented an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base, deepen domestic value chains and place production, competitiveness and job creation at the centre of economic development.
He said MAN was actively involved in the stakeholder consultation process that preceded the policy and welcomed its emphasis on industrialisation, indigenous entrepreneurship, infrastructure, energy, skills, technology and the integration of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
He, however, stressed that the success of the policy would ultimately depend on effective implementation.
“A policy is ultimately as effective as its implementation,” Meshioye said, adding that implementation must translate into more competitive factories, stronger local supply chains, increased investment, improved productivity, sustainable jobs and greater access to domestic and export markets.
The MAN president disclosed that the theme of the 54th AGM would be “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub.”
He said the theme was designed to stimulate discussions on how Nigeria could harness its large market, abundant resources, entrepreneurial capacity and human capital to build a productive and globally competitive economy.
Meshioye also announced that the 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture would feature Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as the Distinguished Guest Speaker.
According to him, the three-day programme would bring together manufacturers, government officials, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to examine practical ways of translating industrial policy into measurable outcomes.
He said the first day, Monday, October 5, would feature the opening ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE) 2026, which would run throughout the three-day event.
The exhibition, he explained, would showcase the quality, diversity and innovation of Nigerian manufacturers while promoting patronage of locally made products and creating opportunities for business connections.
Tuesday, October 6, would feature the Public Session, 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon, beginning at 11:00 a.m., while Wednesday, October 7, would be devoted to the 54th AGM Private Session for MAN members.
During the private session, members are expected to consider the Association’s Annual Report and audited accounts, conduct other statutory business and elect officers and members of the National Council for the 2026/2027 year.
A value-added session titled “Bridging Industrial Skill Gaps with Smart and Additive Manufacturing: A Manufacturing Imperative” will also be held on the final day.
Meshioye urged the media to support the Association by giving adequate visibility to the AGM, the Made in Nigeria Exhibition and the policy conversations surrounding Nigeria’s industrial development.
He said the media had an important role to play in bringing the challenges facing manufacturers to the national conversation and sustaining public attention on policies affecting the economy.
The MAN president reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to working with government and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for manufacturers and ensure that industrial policies produce tangible outcomes.
He urged the media to join MAN at the Lagos Oriental Hotel from October 5 to 7 to showcase the capabilities of Nigerian manufacturers and participate in discussions on the future of industrial development in Nigeria.
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