Driven by the mission to foster meaningful industrialisation drive and prevent bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder socio-economic growth and development, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has engaged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Federal Government in series of discussions and collaboration towards improving the ease of doing business and industrial growth in the Country.

Speaking at the 2025 Special Business Roundtable Meeting with MDAs, Mubarak Damilola Shittu, Chairman of MAN’s Kwara/Kogi State Branch, emphasised the significance of the event’s theme, which was “Industrialising a Challenged Nigerian Economy: Federal Government’s MDAs as Critical Partners”, noting that the theme was particularly relevant given the challenges manufacturers face.

Shittu highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private sector, stakeholders, and other multilateral organisations to ensure a shared understanding of Nigerian economic challenges and how to tackle the identified challenges.

He stressed the need for regulatory bodies to streamline the manufacturers’ operations and ease stringent regulations hindering industrial growth.

“As regulators, their policies directly impact us as manufacturers. We all recognize that Nigeria must diversify its economy beyond oil exports by promoting local production for both domestic consumption and export,” Shittu stated.

He further explained that boosting local production would create jobs, reduce pressure on the national currency, and enhance security.

“The new leadership of MAN sees government agencies as enablers. We must consistently engage with them to communicate our challenges so that when issues arise, they can be resolved efficiently.

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“We also need to be involved in policy formulation because government decisions directly affect us. At times, conflicting mandates among regulatory agencies cause disruptions.

However, if we are included in policy discussions from the outset, misunderstandings will be minimised”, he noted.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Export Promotion Council, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Notable attendees included; Dolapo Mariam from SON, Ajoma Isa from FIRS, Mohammed Hussain from RMRDC, Aremu Olanrewaju from NESREA, among others.

In response to their presentations, Shittu acknowledged the alignment of objectives between manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

“With your papers presented, it is clear that we are all working towards the same goal. I am confident that whenever we seek your support, you will provide solutions that are already in place.

“Industrialists, regulators, and revenue-generating agencies share a common vision for Nigeria’s economic progress. We are convinced that all stakeholders are committed to achieving a thriving economy.

“We are encouraged by our discussions and recognize these agencies as crucial partners in achieving our industrial goals. We will continue collaborating with you to clarify grey areas for the benefit of industrialists and the nation at large”, he added.