The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has asked the National Assembly to influence speedy passage of seven bills into law by the legislative arm of the government.
Engr. Ibrahim Usman, Chairman, Infrastructure Committee of MAN, said that these bills include: “The Federal Competition and Consumer protection Bill 2015; Roads Authority Bill 2015, National Inland Waterways Authority Bill 2015 and National Roads Funds and Harbour Bills 2015.
Other bills under the reference are National Transport Commission Bill 2015, Nigerian Ports and Authority Bill 2015; Nigerian Postal Commission Bill 2015 and Nigerian Railway Authority Bill 2015.”
“All of these bills are very important and will create a friendlier enabling environment that will enhance performance of the manufacturing sector and other businesses in the country when passed into law,” he said.
“For example, the Inland Container Terminals in Kaduna, Funtua, Kano, Jos and Maiduguri can now be empowered to have goods consigned to them directly from abroad by importers. The whole idea is to ensure that government provides guidance, basic infrastructure and security of lives, investments and property as well as excellent enabling environment for the private sector to do business.”
He said that MAN Executive council, will be visiting the Speaker of the House and the Senate President to request for an urgent and decisive action on the 168 page report titled: “Comprehensive Review of the Institutional, Regulatory, Legislative and Associated Instruments Affecting Businesses in Nigeria.”
“In line with our advocacy plans, MAN infrastructure Commitee has also concluded plans to engage the ministry of transport in Abuja to advocate affordable rates for cargoes and proactive increase in the frequency of movement of cargo trains up north. With full take off of inland container terminals up north, manufacturers there can custom-clear their imported machineries and raw materials. “This is one of the issues we have on the front burner to be brought to the attention of the Minister of Transport.”
Speaking on security, he replied: the issue of security is totally beyond the control of manufacturers. Almost all the industries in the North Eastern part of the country have been closed down for almost six years now since the beginning of the insurgency. It goes without saying that without a peaceful atmosphere, no business can thrive.”
