By 
By Kayode Abdul
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over the challenges its members are facing due to government policies.
The Chairman of Kwara/Kogi branch of the association, Pharmacist Rahamon Jimoh Bioku, made this known while delivering his welcome address at the 10th annual general meeting of the association held in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme “Tackling the Challenges of The Manufacturing Sector: A Win-Win for Government and Local Manufacturer” said the association is to constantly lend a helping hand to the government in improving the country’s economy by making policy recommendations, suggestions, and practical solutions to the core challenges of the industrial sector.
“As if the pains and suffering that had accompanied the micro and macro indices of the decrepit Nigerian economy before now were not enough, the bitter removal of Subsidy on Petroleum products in Nigeria has left Manufacturers in unprecedented comatose.
“It is sardonic today to note the countless mumber of industrial establishments that have gone under. The few ones still struggling to operate have required monumental support from the Government. But more sadly, the government support has not been forthcoming to the required level.”
Bioku called on the government to come to the aid of its members and at the same time bring an improvement to the economy by doing the following:
“Tax and levies should be reduced and harmonized at Federal, State and Local government levels.
“Drastic reduction of interest rates on industrial loans; the CBN should direct DMBs (Commercial Banks) to reduce interest rates charged on industrial loans and other loans released as COVID-19 palliatives should be significantly reduced further to 1%.
“Bank of Industry (BOI) should approve and urgently roll out further reductions in the Bank’s lending rates to industries.
“Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should widen foreign Exchange to Local industries.
“Government MDAs should adhere strictly to the legislations which established them, and desist from ‘ultravires’ acts and duplicating functions.
“Government should adopt measures of initial consultations before introducing new policies having impacts on the Manufacturing Industry.
“Governemnt should reverse the over 200% increase in the Tarrif approved for Distribution Companies (DisCos) and revert to the old rates, or at best, an increase by only 40% as requested by the DisCos themselves.
In his address, the National President of the Association, Otunba Francis Meshioye assured members that they would continue to engage with the heads of government ministries, departments, and agencies on policies that have the potential to have a positive impact on the sector’s performance.
He also commended Kwara state government for coming to the rescue of its members at a time of having issue with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said the intervention was highly commendable.
“At the meeting, it was resolved that in line with the Court Order of Injunction obtained by MAN, members should continue to pay the old rates of N74.43/KwH pending the determination of the suit in Court.”
In his goodwill message, the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, lauded the contribution of the association to the industrialization of the state, said his administration would not relent in providing necessary support to the manufacturers and for overall ease of doing business.
The event marked the end of Rahamon Jimoh Bioku’s tenure, while Mubarak Damilola Shittu and Gbenga Adeola were sworn in as the new Chairman and Secretary respectively.
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