Manufacturers Association of Nigeria

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

As part of ongoing engagements with members ahead of the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria , Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, paid a courtesy visit to Lee Group Nigeria, where he was warmly received by the company's Director, Mr. Tunji Lawal-Solarin.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria's manufacturing sector, particularly industrial development, government policies, and the need for effective policy implementation to drive sustainable growth.

Speaking during the meeting, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, reaffirmed MAN's commitment to serving as a strong advocate for Lee Group and the wider manufacturing community. He noted that while government policies can stimulate industrial development, their success depends on consistency, proper implementation, and continuous stakeholder engagement. He stressed that well-executed policies are essential for improving competitiveness, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria's industrial base.

The discussions also examined the proposed ban on plastic production and its potential impact on manufacturers. Both parties emphasized the need for balanced policies that support environmental sustainability while safeguarding industrial growth and economic development.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, further assured members that MAN would continue engaging government and relevant stakeholders through constructive dialogue and evidence-based advocacy to ensure manufacturers' concerns are effectively represented.

In his remarks, Mr. Tunji Lawal-Solarin commended MAN for its exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of manufacturers. He praised the Association's consistent advocacy efforts, noting their significant contribution to the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria's manufacturing sector.

The MAN delegation included Mr. Kanayo Iwuchukwu, Director, Special Duties; Ms. Oluchi Odimuko, Assistant Director, Sectoral and Regulatory Affairs Division; Mrs. Ego Igbebulam, General Manager, Membership Satisfaction; and Mrs. Yinka Adanlawo, Secretary to the Director General.

03/08/2026

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to move beyond short-term bailout interventions and implement bold structural reforms that will restore Nigeria’s textile industry to its position as a major driver of employment, industrial growth, and foreign exchange earnings.

The Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, while speaking to Leadership News noted that while intervention funds such as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Policy and the Real Sector Support Facility have provided temporary relief, they have failed to address the root causes of the industry's decline.

According to him, sustainable growth requires tackling persistent challenges, including unreliable and expensive energy, inadequate local cotton production, rampant smuggling and counterfeiting, obsolete machinery, and limited access to affordable long-term financing.

To reposition the sector, MAN proposed the establishment of gas-powered Independent Power Plants (IPPs) in major textile clusters, development of industrial parks with shared infrastructure, deployment of improved cotton varieties, strengthened partnerships between farmers and textile manufacturers, duty-free importation of modern textile machinery, and restructuring of industry financing with longer loan tenures.

The Association also urged stricter border controls through digital cargo tracking, enforcement of local procurement policies, and renewed investment in technical education to produce the skilled workforce required for a globally competitive textile industry.

Drawing lessons from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, stressed that these countries transformed their textile sectors through deliberate structural reforms—not periodic financial bailouts.

He maintained that with stable energy, reliable local cotton supply, competitive financing, and a protected market, Nigeria can rebuild a vibrant textile industry capable of creating millions of jobs, reducing import dependence, boosting exports, and positioning the country to maximise opportunities under the AfCFTA and other international trade agreements.

03/08/2026

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28/07/2026

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), led by its Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, paid a courtesy visit to CIG Motors Co. Ltd. to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities to advance Nigeria's manufacturing and automotive industries.

During the visit, the Director General commended CIG Motors for its commitment to local manufacturing, innovation and industrial development, noting that the company's investments continue to support economic growth. He also appreciated CIG Motors for its continued support of MAN and its partnership towards the forthcoming MAN Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen highlighted the enormous potential of Nigeria's automotive industry, stating that with the right policies, infrastructure, financing and public-private collaboration, the sector could contribute between 10 and 20 per cent to the President's economic vision. She emphasised that the industry extends beyond vehicle sales, creating opportunities in manufacturing, technology, energy, skills development and employment.

Discussions focused on expanding CIG Motors' Authorised Dealership Programme nationwide, deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure at MAN member facilities, fleet modernisation, employee vehicle ownership schemes and strengthening local automotive supply chains.

Chief Diana Chen also outlined key benefits for MAN members, including dealership and investment opportunities, preferential fleet programmes, nationwide aftersales support, spare-parts partnerships, electric mobility infrastructure and technical training.

In his closing remarks, the Director General reaffirmed the need for a well-defined industrial policy to promote sustainable industrialisation, improve the competitiveness of local manufacturers and unlock the full potential of Nigeria's manufacturing sector. He stressed that stronger collaboration between government and industry stakeholders remains vital to building a resilient and globally competitive manufacturing economy.

23/07/2026

Recently, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, was appointed as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC), a high-level body comprising distinguished professionals from the public and private sectors, academia, finance, industry, and development. The Committee was established to provide strategic advisory support to the Federal Government in advancing Nigeria's fiscal and macroeconomic reform agenda.

The appointment was announced by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on July 14, 2026, in Abuja. The Ministerial Advisory Committee is chaired by Mr. Abubakar Sulaiman, with Dr. Ayo Teriba serving as Vice Chairman and Idris Belo-Osagie as the Secretary. Other members comprise accomplished economists, financial experts, business leaders, public policy professionals, academics, and representatives of key private sector institutions. Members will serve on a pro bono basis, reflecting their shared commitment to national development.

Under its Terms of Reference, the Committee will provide strategic advice across four key pillars: Economic Policy Advisory, Public Financial Management, Economic Coordination, and the effective translation of reforms into measurable outcomes. Its responsibilities include advising on macroeconomic strategy, fiscal policy, productivity and growth, fiscal governance, government efficiency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and public communication. The Committee will also develop periodic fiscal risk assessments, policy recommendations, stakeholder impact assessments, and early warning analyses to support evidence-based and timely decision-making.

23/07/2026

The latest edition of MAN News is now available, your quarterly insight into Nigeria’s manufacturing, policy, and advocacy landscape.

This edition features an exclusive conversation with Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on driving standards, strengthening industry, enhancing product quality.

Also in this edition:
CEO Spotlight featuring Mr. Ali Hashini, Chief Executive Officer of Lagos & Hovis Limited, sharing insights on innovation, growth, and building enduring manufacturing brands in Nigeria.
The sugar-sweetened beverage excise debate and its implications for industry and public health.
Managing plastic waste while balancing environmental protection and industrial growth.

Scan the QR code to read the full issue.

20/07/2026

The Women in Manufacturing Unit (WIMAN) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Women in Manufacturing (WIMAN) Knowledge and Support Series, themed "Regulatory Compliance and Market Readiness for Women Manufacturers." The programme brought together women manufacturers and key industry stakeholders to provide practical guidance on regulatory compliance, product standards, and market readiness for sustainable business growth.

In his welcome address, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, described the initiative as an important milestone in strengthening the participation, visibility, inclusivity, and advancement of women in Nigeria's manufacturing sector. He emphasised that "Compliance should not be viewed merely within the context of regulatory obligation. Rather, it must be construed as an essential business strategy that builds consumer confidence, improves product quality, enhances competitiveness, and creates opportunities for businesses to access larger domestic and international markets."

Representatives of NAFDAC and SON highlighted key regulatory processes and support mechanisms available to manufacturers, while Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Oyewole, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Noxie Limited, shared practical lessons on building a successful manufacturing business, encouraging women manufacturers to embrace compliance, innovation, and resilience as drivers of long-term growth.

The programme affirmed WIMAN's vision of reducing barriers, strengthening compliance, improving market readiness, and empowering women manufacturers to build resilient businesses that can compete successfully within Nigeria and beyond.

Genevieve Oby Nwowu Ngozi Eke Oyewole Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni Standards Organisation of Nigeria - SON National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control

20/07/2026

MAN Calls for Urgent Reform of Domestic Crude Supply Framework

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing domestic refineries in accessing sufficient crude oil within the country, warning that the situation undermines the benefits of local refining and threatens Nigeria’s industrialisation objectives.

Reacting to reports that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently imported crude oil from the United Arab Emirates due to local supply constraints, the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, described the development as evidence of the long-standing difficulties local refiners face in securing adequate and reliable supplies of Nigerian crude.

According to Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, it is troubling that domestic refineries must compete with international buyers for Nigeria’s crude oil, often at international market prices and with additional logistics costs. He noted that this weakens the economic benefits of local refining, including reduced import dependence, foreign exchange conservation, job creation, and increased value addition.

Th Director General called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to establish a structured and transparent domestic crude supply framework that prioritises local refineries.

He also advocated increased crude production, improved pipeline security, enhanced terminal reliability, and a balanced approach to meeting both domestic refining needs and export commitments. MAN therefore reiterates its call for urgent reforms to ensure local refineries have priority access to a commercially viable share of Nigeria’s crude oil production, thereby strengthening energy security and supporting industrial growth.

17/07/2026

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has revealed that recent increases in product sales across the manufacturing sector are not the result of stronger consumer demand but rather a survival strategy adopted by manufacturers facing mounting economic pressures.

Speaking on the state of the sector, the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, explained that many manufacturers have been forced to significantly reduce product prices and accept lower profit margins to clear inventories and keep production lines running.

According to him, the industry is currently burdened by nearly ₦2 trillion in unsold inventory, compelling many businesses to sell products at prices that are barely profitable and, in some cases, below production costs.

He noted that manufacturers continue to grapple with numerous challenges, including high production costs, weak consumer purchasing power, foreign exchange volatility, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, logistics constraints, and expensive financing.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni stated that while many manufacturers are increasing local sourcing and investing in value addition to reduce dependence on imports, the high cost of foreign exchange and import-duty benchmark pricing continue to undermine their competitiveness, including within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Access to affordable financing remains a major concern. With the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at about 26 per cent, commercial lending rates have risen to between 30 and 35 per cent, making bank loans largely unaffordable for manufacturers. He added that even development finance, which previously attracted single-digit interest rates, now costs as much as 15 per cent, increasing financial pressure on businesses.

To support industrial recovery and growth, MAN has called on the Federal Government to urgently operationalise the proposed ₦1 trillion Manufacturing Stabilisation Fund, describing it as a critical intervention that would provide affordable financing and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.