MAN is leading formation of Pan-African Manufacturers Association -Ahmed

COMFORT EKELEME

President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr Mansur Ahmed said the association, in conjunction with the African Union, is leading the formation of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association.

He said, MAN has played significant roles in fostering collaboration amongst manufacturers and advancing the interest and recognition of the Private Sector in West Africa and Africa.

According to him, MAN is currently mobilizing various Manufacturers Association in West Africa to revive the Federation of West African Manufacturers Association (FEWAMA), with the active support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking at the symbolic cake cutting ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of MAN, held recently at its Abuja liaison office, Engr Ahmed said in response to the start -up of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), MAN is an active part of a continental Private Sector Movement to bring the African Private under a single Umbrella – The African Business Council where our President has been elected the Vice President of the Council. Cake cutting ceremony.

This cake cutting ceremony held simultaneously at MAN’s head office and branch offices nationwide in commemoration of its golden jubilee.

Ahmed said, “As an Association, it marks our date of incorporation. It also marks the day Nigeria birthed a private sector-led advocacy body for its manufacturing sector.

“From a humble beginning in 1971, MAN has evolved into the authentic voice of manufacturers in Nigeria – a credible platform for the private sector to formulate and articulate policy suggestions that complement government’s efforts in the overall interest of the economy. This could not have been possible without the long-standing commitment and immense support of our strategic partners, both local and international.

“Today, MAN’s membership strength is over 2,500 which comprise the multinationals, large corporations, small and medium scale industries. These members are serviced through our fourteen branches nationwide; ten sectoral and seventy-six sub-sectoral groups; The Abuja Liaison Office and the National Head Office in Lagos.

“As we celebrate our giant strides in the last 50 years, this cake cutting ceremony commemorates the immense contributions of our founding fathers: Late Chief Adeola Odutola, Chief Jerome Udoji, Late Babatunde Jose, Alhaji Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa) and a host of others.

“I also sincerely wish to appreciate every member of MAN and the entire staff of the Association for their unalloyed support and commitment towards ensuring our noble Association continues to deliver on its mandate,” he said.

Activities lined up to mark the 50th Anniversary celebration include: a lecture on industrialization in Africa, A 3-day Exhibition of Made in Nigeria Products, An an evening with the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), the 5th Annual Manufacturers’ Conference, and MAN at 50 Dinner/Award Night.

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