Yemisi Izuora
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that its partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) led to sustenance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)on the 25 percent reduction on all SON administrative charges.
The partnership also led to further sustenance of SONCAP exemption for the importation of spare parts, machineries, raw materials and packaging materials as well as the issuance of the annual import permits to manufacturers.
MAN president Frank Udemba Jacobs in his address to the MAN annual media Luncheon in Lagos,said the association in the last one year successfully engaged government through its advocacy initiative that led to improved consultation and contribution to strategic policies of government.
Jacobs said such strategic advocacy ensured successful resistance of the implementation of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2.1 introduced by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Distribution Companies (DISCO’s).
“You are aware that MAN is in court with NERC and the DISCOs on their contentious bills and has obtained an injunction restraining them from applying such charges or disconnecting members who refused to pay at the MYTO 2.1 rate” he disclosed.
Speaking further, the president said the association advocated for the removal of the monthly exorbitant fixed charges collected from electricity users by DISCOs, the non-reflection in MYTO 2.1 and the downward review of electricity bills for SMIs in particular and prorating of electricity charges to consumption.
He also informed that the resilience of the MAN helped to improve the processes of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) implementation processes in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service.
This led to the profiling of MAN members for special clearance and admission into the Fast-Track System, the setting up of a Conflict Resolution Committee made up of the Nigeria Customs and MAN officials to sort out and resolve any issue arising from PAAR, he stated.