The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have renewed their joint call for stronger policy enforcement to reinforce Nigeria’s industrial capacity and advance the “Nigeria First” initiative, emphasising that support for locally made products must move beyond rhetoric to tangible implementation.
During the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition held as part of MAN’s 53rd Annual General Meeting in Lagos, the MAN President underscored the need for Nigeria to institutionalise policies that prioritise indigenous manufacturers in both public procurement processes and private sector spending.
The “Nigeria First” policy, launched under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, seeks to drive rapid industrialisation by boosting demand for domestically produced goods. It builds on prior executive orders promoting local production, value addition, and technological advancement.
According to the MAN President, the initiative is not intended to isolate Nigeria from global trade but to strengthen its domestic manufacturing base, which is key to employment generation, innovation, and economic self-reliance. He stressed that effective enforcement is essential, warning that without accountability mechanisms, manufacturers would continue to face recurring challenges. He further suggested instituting an annual “Proudly Nigeria Day” to inspire nationwide pride and commitment to patronising homegrown products.
He, however, highlighted persistent constraints hampering industrial growth—ranging from high energy costs and weak logistics infrastructure to insecurity and limited access to long-term capital. He urged the government to provide robust institutional support and create a more enabling business environment to ensure industrial sustainability.
Delivering his keynote address, the UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS described the “Nigeria First” policy as a transformative economic shift that requires coordinated, multi-sectoral implementation. He stressed that boosting demand for Nigerian-made goods must be underpinned by consistent policies that empower local enterprises to expand and compete globally.
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Drawing from international experiences, he noted that countries like Japan, South Korea, and China successfully used targeted industrial policies to build strong domestic industries capable of competing in global markets. He reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through initiatives focused on SME development, digital transformation, and the establishment of modern industrial parks.
He identified four essential pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness: reliable and affordable energy, accessible financing, technological and skills advancement, and expanded market access—particularly through opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Both MAN and UNIDO reiterated that a resilient manufacturing sector is the backbone of sustainable economic growth and urged the Federal Government to translate the “Nigeria First” framework into measurable outcomes. They warned that weak implementation could further entrench Nigeria’s dependency on imports, undermining the nation’s quest for industrial independence.
MAN has continuously called on the government to enforce local content laws, reduce borrowing costs, expand industrial infrastructure, and improve financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These measures, the association stressed, are vital to ensuring Nigerian manufacturers remain competitive both within the continent and on the global stage.
