The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised alarm over the state of the manufacturing sector, warning that it is “on its last breath.” In its Fourth Quarter 2024 Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, MAN urged the federal government to address critical challenges threatening the industry, including high electricity tariffs, foreign exchange fluctuations, and rising interest rates. The association stressed that Nigeria’s economic future remains uncertain unless urgent interventions are implemented.
MAN highlighted 2025 as a critical year for economic recovery, calling on the government to lead by example by prioritising local production and patronising Made-in-Nigeria goods. The report noted that manufacturers have revised their expectations downward for the first quarter of 2025 due to the persistent macroeconomic challenges and an expected slowdown in business activities.
The association also urged the government to take clear, measurable steps towards stabilising the naira at N1,500/$ and reducing inflation to 15%. It emphasised the importance of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) actively supporting locally made products to build confidence in the Nigerian manufacturing sector.
To address the sector’s concerns, MAN proposed a 15-point action plan, including the suspension of the 15% port charge hike and the 4% FOB levy, pending broader consultation with the Organised Private Sector. Other recommendations include pausing interest rate hikes, increasing the capital base of the Bank of Industry, and settling the outstanding $2.4 billion Forex forward contract to restore manufacturers’ confidence in the economy.
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