…Seek Revival Of West African Manufacturers Association
Yemisi Izuora
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has identified collaboration and partnership among stakeholders key to foster economic cooperation that will enhance overall socio-economic development of the continent.
At a cake cutting ceremony on Friday May, 7, to herald a lined up activities marking the Association’s 50th anniversary, its President Mansur Ahmed, said that in West Africa and Africa, MAN has played significant roles in fostering collaboration amongst manufacturers and advancing the interest and recognition of the Private Sector.
Ahmed said the Association is currently mobilizing the various Manufacturers Association in West Africa to revive the Federation of West African Manufacturers Association (FEWAMA) with the active support of ECOWAS.
At the same time; in conjunction with the African Union, MAN is leading the formation of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association, he disclosed.
Ahmed also noted that in response to the start -up of the AfCFTA, MAN is an active part of a continental Private Sector Movement to bring the African Private under a single Umbrella – The African Business Council where our President has been elected the Vice President of the Council.
“As we celebrate our giant strides in the last 50 years, this cake cutting ceremony commemorates the immense contributions of our founding fathers: Late Chief Adeola Odutola, Chief Jerome Udoji, Late Babatunde Jose, Alhaji Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa) and a host of others.
“I also sincerely wish to appreciate every member of MAN and the entire staff of the Association for their unalloyed support and commitment towards ensuring our noble Association continues to deliver on its mandate.”
He said the day, May 7th will remain special to MAN and as an Association, it marks its date of incorporation and also marks the day Nigeria birthed a private sector led advocacy body for its manufacturing sector.
“From a humble beginning in 1971, MAN has evolved into the authentic voice of manufacturers in Nigeria – a credible platform for the private sector to formulate and articulate policy suggestions that complement government’s efforts in the overall interest of the economy.
This could not have been possible without the long-standing commitment and immense support of our strategic partners, both local and international.
Today, MAN’s membership strength is over 2,500 which comprises the multinationals, large corporations, small and medium scale industries. These members are serviced through our fourteen (14) branches nationwide; ten sectoral (10) and seventy-six (76)) sub-sectoral groups; The Abuja Liaison Office and the National Head Office in Lagos.” he said.
He appealed to all its partners in government, international agencies, organised private sector, members and other invited guests to be part of the activities lined up to mark the 50th Anniversary celebration.
“These include: lecture on industrialization in Africa, A 3-day Exhibition of Made in Nigeria Products, An evening with the Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO), the 5th Annual Manufacturers’ Conference, and MAN at 50 Dinner/Award Night. Additional details will be duly communicated to you through our various channels of communication.” he said.