National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otumba Francis Meshioye, has called on the Rivers and Bayelsa state governmens to institute a more effective and efficient consultative mechanism with the business body to ensure the sustenance of existing manufacturing companies.
He made the call while delivering an address at the two-day 39th Annual General Meeting and exhibition by MAN, held at the ARK Event Center in Port Harcourt.
Otumba Meshioye, who was in Port Harcourt for the first time after his emergence as MAN national president, said it is imperative for state governments to understand and appreciate the contribution of the real sector in job and wealth creation.
He further called for closer working relationship with MAN, to boost investors’ confidence of government support, transformation of the Port Harcourt and Onne Seaports to fully maximize the business and trade potentials of the region, development of industrial zones and clusters with requisite infrastructure, appointment of MAN into boards of the state governments’ MDA’s.
According to him, these will ensure manufacturers interests are considered in policy formulation.
He commended the Rivers State government on the improved road network in Port Harcourt and improved security of lives and properties within the state.
The MAN president urged the state government to look into the numerous tax agencies and consultants in operation, noting that it creates uncertainty over who is legally authorized to collect taxes and levies and is a burden to industry operators.
He changed MAN members to fulfil their membership obligation through prompt of their annual subscription as well as completion and return of MAN questionnaires and data from time to time.
Earlier, the Rivers/Bayelsa states chairman, Elder Vincent Okuku, in his welcome address said the choice of the theme for the AGM, ‘Re-Igniting industrialization and Entrepreneurship in the South South’ was necessitated by the unfavourable business environment which has led to the shutdown of numerous manufacturing companies within the region.
“Recall that in the past, Trans Amadi industrial estate was a hub for industries which ran day and night shifts as a result of huge investment in the industry in the earlier years,” he reminded.
While calling for government support to improve economic opportunities in the two states by r- igniting industries he said, “No nation has become industrialized without the presence of a manufacturing sector. When a nation engages in manufacturing, it enables the production of diverse and sophisticated products which are produced with advanced machines and technology”.
The use of new technologies and machines he explained, “result in the creation of jobs that require higher skill levels with higher wages,” adding, “it is important that government continues to support and focus on key sectors like the manufacturing sector to ensure that sustainable growth and development is achieved.”
Elder Okuku highlighted some of the challenges manufacturers operating Rivers as and Bayelsa state are facing like, unavailability of raw materials, multiple taxation, over regulation by government MDAs, difficulty in accessing funds, low patronage of locally manufactured products, difficulty in accessing forex and high cost of electricity.
He stressed that with careful and concerted effort, an effective public -private sector partnership, is required to recreate a friendlier operating environment that will sustain economic growth in the country.
The event featured presentations and suggestions from seasoned captains of industries including,; Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi (MD Edo State Investment Promotion), Ubani Nkaginieme PhD, Chukwukeluo Chukwuogo, , Pastor Imo Abasi Jacob (MD/CEO, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation ), Mr. Irabo Pacqueen (South South regional manager ,Bank of Industry BOI, Dr. Ama Ikuru, director, capacity building, NCDMB.
Special guests at the event were; Mr. Devin Ajayi-Kadir, Mni, DG MAN. Chief Giadomenco Massari, vice president (Easter-zone),MAN. HRH King (Dr.) Amb. Sir Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, Nyerisi Eli Woji. HRH Eze Nyema Onunwo, JP Nyerisi Mmam Nyewe Eli Oropotoma.
The event also featured a discussion panel moderated by Emeka Onachukwu on business operations in Port Harcourt. In the panel were, Chibuokem, Hauwa Ali (NNPC Gas marketing group), Mrs. Ekama Emilia (CEO of Showers let), Dr. Jossy Nkwocha (Indorama group), Mrs. Evelyn Kobo (NEPC), Egbune Eloba (SMEDAN) and Dr. Sylva Opuala, founder PI/ Biz School.
