Nkiruka Nnorom
19 September 2012, Sweetcrude, LAGOS – THE Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, has charged the the Nigerian government to complete the outstanding projects and investments in iron and steel industry as it has the capacity of enlarging the country’s industrial base.
MAN President, Dr. Kola Jamodu, who spoke at the media presentation of blueprint for “The Accelerated Development of Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria”, in Lagos, said that lack of political will to bring all pending projects to completion has been the major hindrance in the sector.
Specifically, he said there was need for the federal government to urgently complete the reactivation of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and ensure that all other component shops are made to function optimally.
He said, “Urgent but realistic programmes should be put in place to complete investments in the core industries, which Nigeria has ventured into albeit haphazardly but which have huge potentials for providing great linkages to other parts of the manufacturing sector.
“The Petrochemical and Iron and Steel industries have the potentials of spin-offs that would enlarge the industrial base of the country. The government should conclude investments in these industries.”
He observed that despite enormous presence of iron ore in the country, the government was yet to fully develop capacity utilisation in the sector.
According to him, “investments in the sector is over N125 billion, with over 3500 factories in operation and employing 280,000 people directly. Jamodu said that the approach of MAN in the implementation of its mandate now rests fully on evidence-based advocacy.
“Our action is in tune with global best practice as a Membership Business Organisation. Secondly, MAN advocacy stance is not about persons but organisations”.
