ECOWAS Business Council will boost cross-border trades – MAN DG

The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, at the weekend expressed commitment to enhance the market penetration of Coleman Wires and Cable products across Africa.

This is just as the MAN boss revealed that the ECOWAS Business Council would be launched by December 2024, providing a platform for the private sector to address economic issues impacting African nations.

Ajayi-Kadir stated this during a tour of Coleman Wires and Cable Industries’ factories in Arepo and Sagamu, Ogun State.

The MAN DG expressed satisfaction with the large capacity of the Coleman factories, stating, “There is no doubt that we have witnessed one of the best wire manufacturing companies on the continent.”

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He said, “This gives us confidence that we are on the right track with respect to the industrial aspirations of our nation within Africa”.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that MAN would do everything to support Coleman in whatever ways the company needed their help.

On the ECOWAS Business Council, he said, “At the regional level, numerous protocols have been signed to support economic activities, but many of these are politically driven.”

He noted that the new platform would enable the private sector to engage directly with policymakers. “For instance, the president of the business council will be invited to meetings with heads of state and ministers, allowing us to resolve key issues,” he added.

Ajayi-Kadir stated that one of the platform’s priorities would be to address barriers hindering cross-border value chains.

Managing Director of Coleman, Mr. George Onafowokan, expressed his gratitude for the MAN’s support.

He emphasised that Coleman’s goal is not only to satisfy the Nigerian market but also to expand into other African markets and beyond.