A group from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) conducted a visit to Cross River State on Thursday to foster partnerships with the state government and push forward plans for a forthcoming manufacturing summit.
The delegation was headed by MAN’s National President, Francis Meshioye, alongside the association’s Director-General, Segun Kadir.
During a press briefing in Calabar, Mr. Meshioye shared that the objective of the visit was to discuss manufacturing concerns and explore potential collaborations between the Cross River State Government and local manufacturers.
"We convened with Cross River government officials to bolster partnerships that can stimulate business growth and boost industrial development in the state," he stated.
Recognizing the importance of engaging with its members, the president expressed that manufacturers are increasingly worried about the burden of multiple taxation, where various government entities impose numerous levies on businesses.
He expressed hope that recent reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu's administration would clarify tax regulations and mitigate these issues.
Harmonizing the tax structure, according to Mr. Meshioye, would aid businesses in better forecasting their obligations, enhance compliance, and lessen the financial strain on manufacturers.
In addition to taxation issues, he brought attention to inadequate road networks as a significant hurdle for manufacturers, urging the state government to invest in improving access roads to industrial zones.
Mr. Kadir explained that this visit was part of ongoing discussions with the Cross River–Akwa Ibom branch and aimed at assessing the industry’s challenges to strengthen manufacturing initiatives.
He emphasized that their encounter was geared towards fortifying the association’s relationship with the Cross River State Government, enhancing cooperation, and acknowledging the government's efforts to promote industrial advancement.
Both parties agreed to work together on initiatives targeting the enhancement of manufacturing activities and as a means to showcase investment opportunities in Cross River.
"Our goal is to enhance the manufacturing sector in Cross River and elevate its value through various initiatives, including an impending summit where we will confront the issues affecting manufacturing effectiveness in the nation," Kadir remarked.
He supported the government’s industrial policy aimed at boosting manufacturing to achieve a 25% increase in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
In his concluding remarks, Kadir noted that the delegation left impressed with the operations of the companies they visited, commending them for their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts benefiting local communities.
Branch chairman of MAN in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, Adoga Inalegwu, reiterated the commitment of member companies to positively influence the economic landscape of the state. He disclosed that policy recommendations from manufacturers would be tabled at the forthcoming summit to enhance industrial progress and improve the nation's business environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Governor Bassey Otu has previously requested in 2025 at MAN’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos that the next meeting be hosted in Cross River, which has now evolved into a broader summit involving all stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.
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