In an effort to reposition the manufacturing sector to achieve its projected 25 per cent yearly growth, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has engaged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, to proffer solutions to the major challenges facing the manufacturing sector.
In a statement, MAN said the parley was to enable the NIPSS to formulate policies that would empower Nigerian manufacturers to compete favourably in the international market.
The Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, during the meeting stated that the collaboration with MAN will be met with great success while urging participants’ full cooperation.
“This collaboration between NIPSS and MAN is timely and highly commendable. At a time when the government is focused on raising non-oil income derivation, there couldn’t be a better time for both bodies—a fusion of government and private sector—to look at ways that we can work together towards improving the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthening the manufacturing sector,” he said.
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Segun Ajayi Kadiri, Director General, MAN, thanked the leadership of NIPSS for the collaboration, adding that the brainstorming session would be the first in a series of activities in collaboration with the national institute.
“With such a gesture as this, the manufacturing sector and the national economy are on their way to restoring their lost glory. We are looking forward to working closely with the NIPSS to actualize our set objectives. This is the first step in the right direction.” he said.
The Director, External Affairs, BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, and the Acting Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), expressed optimism that the collaboration would impact positively on the Nigerian market.
“The level of discussion and dissecting of issues during the brainstorming session pointed to the fact that participants were all on the same page to chart a growth path for the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The collaboration and energy in the room were incredible, with a list of actionable ideas that we can’t wait to implement,” she said.
