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His emergence as MAN president places him at the helm of an influential industry association whose relationship with the Federal Government is critical to efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract investment and expand Nigeria’s industrial base.
He criticised Nigerian agencies responsible for trade facilitation, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NACCIMA, for failing to provide adequate support to exporters facing such barriers.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ondo State Government, ODSG, and Dangote Industries Limited on the proposed investment in Olókòlá Free Trade Zone, (OKFTZ) and the Dangote Industrial City within the area.
Using Nigeria as an example, Odigie said electricity privatisation had failed to guarantee reliable access, while rising tariffs were making power increasingly unaffordable.
Adeyeye also clarified that some products highlighted in recent reports, particularly imported agricultural produce, do not fall exclusively under NAFDAC’s regulatory mandate.
Programmes such as the Aliko Dangote Skill Acquisition Centre can equip young people with practical skills that enable them to become entrepreneurs, artisans or employees. The emphasis should increasingly be on modern technical, digital and industrial skills,” Umar said.
The biggest question now is whether Okin can convert its historical brand recognition into modern market power.
The forest economy also intersects with Nigeria’s industrialisation challenge.
Wood is an input into construction, furniture, packaging and a range of manufacturing activities.
The refinery is challenging the directive on the ground that the petroleum regulator lacks the statutory authority to exercise regulatory or oversight powers over its operations within the free zone.
Manufacturers operating in industrial clusters need reliable electricity not only to keep production lines running but also to control operating costs.
