MAN: Calls For Effective Consultative Mechanism To Sustain Existing Manufacturing Companies In Rivers Bayelsa 

 



The National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otumba Francis Meshioye has called on the Rivers and Bayelsa state government to institute a more effective and efficient consultative mechanism with MAN, to ensure the sustenance of existing manufacturing companies.

He made the story call when delivering his address at a two days scheduled event, the 39th Annual General Meeting and exhibition by MAN. The event held at the ARK event center in Port Harcourt.

MAN’s national President Meshioye, who is in Port Harcourt for the first time after his emergence as the organization’s national president, said it is imperative for state government 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. Also, transformation of the Port Harcourt and Onne Seaports to fully maximize the business and trade potentials of the region, develop industrial zones, and cluster with requisite infrastructure, appointment of MAN to board of government MDA’s of the state; he said these will ensure manufacturers interests are considered in policy formulation.

He commended the state government on the improved road network in Port Harcourt, also improved security on lives and properties within the state.

Mr. Meshioye used the medium to call on the state government to look into the numerous tax agencies and consultants; this creates uncertainty as to who is legally authorized to collect taxes and levies. “makes it impossible for government to harmonize and create burden for industries.”

He changed MAN members to fulfill their membership obligation by prompt of their annual subscription as well as completion and return of their questionnaires and data from time to time.

Earlier, the Rivers and Bayelsa state chairman, Elder Vincent Okuku, in his welcome address said the choice for 39 AGM theme “Re-Igniting industrialization and entrepreneurship in the south south” was necessitated by the unfavorable 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.”

While calling on government support to improve economy opportunities in the state, by re 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''. He said 

The use of new technologies and machines therefore, results in the creator jobs that require higher skill levels with higher wages. It is important that government, continue 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 in Rivers  and Bayelsa state are faced with. Like, unavailability of raw materials, multiple taxation, over regulation by government MDA’s, difficulty accessing funds, low patronage of locally manufactured products, difficulty accessing forex, high cost of electricity.

He noted, with careful and concerted effort, with an effective public -private sector partnership, is required to recreate a friendlier operating environment that will sustain the economic growth in the country.

The event became more glamor when technocrats and seasoned captain of industries have insightful nuggets during their paper presentations; guest speakers at the event were; Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi (MD Edo State investment promotion), Engr Ubani Nkaginieme PhD (President, Total Support Energy Group), Dr. Chukwukeluo Chukwuogo (MD, Boskel Nigeria limited ), 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 guest at the event were; Mr. Devin Ajayi-Kadir, Mni, DG MAN. Engr. Chief Giadomenco Massari, Vice President (Easter-zone),MAN. HRH King (Dr.) Amb. Sir Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP (Eze Gbakagbaka, Nyerisi Eli Woji). HRH Eze Nyema Onunwo, JP Nyerisi MBAM/ Nyewe Eli Oropotoma.

Our correspondent reports that the event also witnessed six man panelists with Emeka Onachukwu as the moderator. The panelists consisted captains of industries with their business operations in Port Harcourt, they include; Engr. 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.

Highlight of the event were exhibition of locally manufactured products and group photographs.