Awka – The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the governments of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States to create better environment that would engender industrialisation.
Dr Frank Udemba, National President of MAN made the call at the 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the branch in charge of the three states, in Awka on Thursday.
The AGM was themed: “Jobs in Nigeria: Closing the Gaps of Unemployment in a Divergent Labour Market”.
Udemba said infrastructure deficit and harsh regulatory framework were negatively affecting the survival of firms in the states.
He advocated for a robust consultative arrangement that was amenable to synergy between MAN and government as well as brings out the best in terms of employment creation.
“It is obvious that your states are not fully industrialised, therefore, efforts should be made to attract investments in manufacturing sector by providing appropriate infrastructure and other incentives.
“The manufacturing sector has been acknowledged as the highest contributor to job creation, skill development and technology transfer.
“It is, therefore, imperatives for state governments to institute more effective consultation mechanism with MAN.
“This will ensure sustenance of the existing manufacturing companies that are currently groaning under the weight of overwhelming infrastructure and regulatory challenges,” he said.
Udemba however, applauded the rebound of the country’s economy after the recession, acknowledging significant improvement in inflation rate, external reserve, Purchasing Managers Index and increased All Share Index.
“Notwithstanding the growth of the sector in 2017, the challenges are not yet over as the manufacturing sector is still seated uneasily on the brink of recession,” he said.
In his speech, Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said the Federal Government was doing its best to provide infrastructure that would encourage business.
Ngige, who was represented by Chief Charles Amilo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra, said works were ongoing at the second Niger Bridge and roads across the country.
He said the Federal Government, through the National Directorate of Employment, N-Power and other programmes, had created millions of jobs for Nigerians.
The minster urged the manufacturers to continue to support the Federal Government to achieve its target of better living condition for all Nigerians.
On his part, Chief Azubuike Okafor, outgoing chairman of the branch commended members for their resilience, in spite of the challenging operational environment.
Okafor also urged governments of the branch states to improve on their ease of doing business, in order to enjoy the Internally Generated Revenue benefits accruing from it as obtainable in Ogun State.
He lamented high level of smuggling of substandard products into the country, stringent tariff regime and other bottlenecks on international transaction, which he said, was making members compete unfavourably in the market.
The chairman urged the new executive to take the branch to higher level by being in the vanguard protecting interest of members and ensuring they remained united in the efforts to keep the economy afloat.
Okafor said the theme was carefully selected as it was relevant at the time when the nation’s economy was recovering from recession.
In his remark, Gov. Willie Obiano lauded the association for their contribution to the state and national economies.
Obiano, who was represented by Mr Chibueze Okoli, Permanent Secretary in the of Office of Head of Service, promised to continue to build a virile economic environment that will attract and keep investors.
(NAN)