The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has renewed its call for the adoption of a Nigeria First Policy to drive economic growth by strengthening local production, improving competitiveness, and fostering sustainable development.
Speaking at the 58th Annual General Meeting of the association’s Ikeja branch in Lagos on Wednesday, MAN President, Francis Meshioye, said the manufacturing sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic future and must be given priority in policymaking.
He likened the Nigeria First Policy to the America First model, which prioritises national interests, stressing that the initiative aligns with MAN’s mission of boosting local industries and advancing industrial sustainability.
“We are working assiduously to institutionalise the Nigeria First Policy, and together we will push for sustainable development in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” Meshioye said.
On the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics, Meshioye urged a rethink, noting that many manufacturers have invested in recycling technologies. He argued that the outright ban was unnecessary and counterproductive, recommending instead that the Ministry of Environment embrace circular economy practices and efficient waste management.
He further appealed for streamlined regulations, constructive dialogue, protection of manufacturers from harassment by non-state actors, and a review of rising waste management costs.
Also speaking, MAN Ikeja Branch Chairman, Robert Ugbaja, said the Nigeria First Policy should not be seen as a slogan but as a national strategy requiring collective effort, strong institutions, and decisive leadership. He urged manufacturers to remain united, solution-driven, and ambitious in vision.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, reiterated government’s support for the initiative. He said manufacturing was at the core of Nigeria’s industrial transformation and Lagos, as the nation’s commercial hub, would continue to play a leading role in advancing the agenda.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads where the choices of government, private sector, and citizens will determine our economic trajectory. The Nigeria First Policy challenges us to prioritise local production and empower indigenous enterprises, with manufacturing at the centre of this conversation,” the governor said.
Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf, also cautioned that Nigeria risks becoming a dumping ground for foreign goods unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen local production capacity.
Meanwhile, the Ikeja branch of MAN elected Mr. Thomas Osubu as its new chairman at the meeting.
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