The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the governments of Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states to step up their support for manufacturers for them to thrive despite the harsh economic environment in the country.
This was stated by MAN’s president, Mansur Ahmed, during the 38th Annual General Meeting of Oyo, Odun, Ondo, Ekiti Branch of MAN in Ibadan on Thursday.
He noted that the manufacturing sector remained the highest contributor to job and wealth creation, adding that the four states should establish a more efficient consultative mechanism with MAN to guarantee the survival and expansion of manufacturing companies in their domains.
He said, “Your Excellencies, I have no doubt that you share our concern with the low level of industrialization in our country especially, the manufacturing sector which currently contributes less than 10 per cent GDP.
“This is indeed most undesirable considering the fact that the manufacturing sector is undoubtedly the bedrock of any thriving economy and the major provider of employment and economic growth opportunity.
“I, therefore, appeal to the Governments of Oyo, Osun, Ondo and the Ekiti States to step-up the level of support for manufacturers by deliberately enhancing the operating environment for existing and prospective industries to thrive.
“This will enable us to make a greater contribution to the economy of the States in particular and the Nigerian economy at large.”
The branch chairman of MAN, Oyo, Osun, Ondo Ekiti states branch, Mr Lanre Popoola, commended the states for some steps taken
He appealed for more supply of electricity in the four states to boost manufacturing companies’ operations there.
Popoola said: “Energy is essential to sustained productivity and this is why we are appealing to NERC and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to improve on energy distribution.
“Foreign Exchange is a regular challenge which impedes the production processes and hopefully with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ban on BDCs, this policy will reduce the bottlenecks and activities of black marketers.
“Government agents should ease up on the matter of taxes and the unfriendly approach by tax consultants in the collection of taxes and levies. They should engage with MAN in the implementation process.”
Also speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor of Technical University Ibadan, Prof Ayobami Salami, who was the guest speaker, said vocational and technical skills should not be seen as meant for those with poor academic capabilities.
He said more emphasis should be placed on technical education to make the youth employable and job creators instead of hunting for the very few job opportunities available after graduation.
He said The Technical University was created to bridge the existing gap in that area saying employers were now putting priorities on skills rather than paper qualifications.
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