A Step Towards Strengthening Local Content and the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Preamble

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for its recent approval of a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel.

In a press release signed by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the association recognised gesture as a strategic step and patriotic policy that aligns with the Nigeria First agenda and MAN’s long-standing advocacy for local content development and patronage of Made-in-Nigeria.

It is heartening that this is coming less than one Month after the 53rd AGM of MAN with the theme: Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria Products.

The association said the strategic policy has reassured domestic manufacturers that Government is attentive to the imperatives of growing indigenous manufacturing.

It exemplifies governments commitment to halting the perennial bleeding of our patrimony; asserting the sovereignty of the great country; guaranteeing energy sufficiency and security, and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians in this regards.

This is a sure step in the promotion of local value addition, strengthening domestic refining capacity, conserving foreign exchange, and advancing Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation objectives.

MAN’s Position:

1. Unfettered implementation of the domestic supply of crude and enshrined in the PIA. This will ensure the Naira for crude arrangement that will ensure effective and reliable supply of crude to the local refineries and reduce the pressure on our scarce foreign exhange.

It will also attract more investors, including the holders of the 30 refininery licenses to commit resources in the sector.

2. There is no better path to fixing Nigeria’s economy than protecting local industries, encouraging local patronage, fostering value addition, and promoting industrial development anchored on local content.

3. Nigeria is blessed with enormous oil resources. Unfortunately, scarce forex in billions of dollars is still being spent on importing refined petroleum.

Supporting local refining capacity through appropriate policy tools will conserve scarce foreign exchange, improve the stability of the Naira, and foster a more favourable macroeconomic environment for investment.

In view of above, MAN duly:

i. recognises the importance, significance, and necessity of the approval of the 15% import tariff on petroleum products — petrol and diesel.

ii. Acknowledges that the tariff is a rightful, deliberately designed policy instrument intended to protect and encourage domestic producers, curb dumping, and create a stable environment for local refiners to thrive.

iii. Notes that the tariff will accelerate operational readiness of domestic refineries, thereby reducing disruptions and stabilising energy supply to industries.

iv. Supports the 15% import tariff as an industrial policy instrument that will:

• Encourage the utilisation of local refining capacity and promote backward integration across the energy value chain.

• Conserve foreign exchange by reducing the nation’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

• Strengthen the manufacturing base through a more stable and predictable fuel supply.

• Generate employment opportunities, build technical expertise, and strengthen industrial linkages between refineries and manufacturers.

• Promote local content development and stimulate demand for Nigerian engineering, fabrication and logistics services.

v. MAN views this policy as a vital step in achieving energy independence and industrial sustainability, both of which are prerequisites for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Call for Transparent and Balanced Implementation:

While supporting the 15% tariff imposition, MAN calls for transparent, efficient, and well-coordinated implementation to ensure its benefits reach both industry and consumers, safeguard competitiveness, and prevent unintended cost burdens.

Specifically, MAN calls for:

i. Transparent price monitoring: Government and regulators (PPPRA, NMDPRA, FCCPC) should closely monitor domestic pricing to prevent excessive mark-ups or anti-competitive behaviour.

ii. Stable transition period: During the initial months of implementation, the government should support local refiners to ensure adequate fuel availability and prevent supply shocks or speculative hoarding, particularly with the festive period approaching.

iii. Reinvestment of tariff revenue: Proceeds from the import duty should be reinvested into energy infrastructure, refinery efficiency, and power support schemes for industries, including credit facilities for industrial energy transition and renewable adoption.

iv. SMIs support measures: Provide targeted incentives or rebatesfor small and medium manufacturers reliant on diesel-powered generators during the transition period.

v. Support the development of more local refineries: The government should create an enabling environment and provide targeted incentives to attract investment in additional modular and conventional refineries, thereby strengthening domestic refining capacity, promoting competition, and ensuring long-term energy security.

vii. Ensure stakeholder harmony in the energy sector: The government should foster continuous engagement among refiners, marketers, regulators, and consumers to prevent disputes, ensure policy coherence, and sustain market stability.

viii. Move speedily to fully privatize the government owned refinery as it is evident that we may never succeed in restoring them to functionality under the current dispensation.

Selling off the refineries will stop the commitment of our scarce financial resources to an evidently irredeemable venture.

MAN acknowledges this major step in the implementation of Nigeria First policy of government. We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy direction, especially on local content development and home grown industrialisation.

MAN believes that this tariff will accelerate the country’s journey toward energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth — all anchored on the strength of Made-in-Nigeria.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the annual conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

News organizations across the nation are sending their top brass – editors from print, online, broadcast, and news agencies – to the heart of Nigeria for this highly anticipated event.

The conference is scheduled for November 12th and 13th, 2025, promising a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights.

Journalists and media professionals will converge to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Nigerian media landscape.

In a press release signed by President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, no fewer than 500 members of the NGE, government officials, members of the business community and diplomatic corps as well as people from all walks of life are expected at the two-day conference holding at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Jahi, Abuja respectively.

NGE President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu will declare the conference open on November 12, 2025 at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja, while the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Arise New and This Day newspaper will be Chairman of conference.

The Guild said that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will be keynote speaker, emphasizing that the theme of the conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion:

The Role of Editors,” and sub-theme as: “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027” are germane at this time when the country is facing socio-political and economic challenges.

Stating that the editors’ conference is a credible platform to discuss and proffer solutions to issues pertaining to national development and cohesion, the Guild said that papers and speakers have been carefully selected to address nagging issues in governance, polity and journalism.

The statement said that Prof Awa Kalu, eminent lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Managing Partner, Awa Kalu & Partners, will address the conference on November 12, 2025, speaking on “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics.

“Prof Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, HOD, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, will take the stage thereafter to speak on: ” State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in Challenged Nation” to conclude the day’s event.

On the second day of the conference on November 13, 2025 at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, former Chief of Defence State, Gen Lucky Irabor, will speak on “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities, ” while Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies,

Baze University, Prof Abiodun Adeniyi, will interrogate “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap.

“The NGE said that there would be an Executive Session on the second day of the conference, where editors will engage government officials, political and business leaders.

The ANEC holds every year for editors to address national issues that have social, economic and political consequences in Nigeria.

• Omotayo Okewunmi

Saldrey Communications Limited, a niche Public Relations and Media agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Omotayo Okewunmi as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective Monday, November 3, 2025.

This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward strengthening its operations, expanding its client impact, and deepening its commitment to innovation-driven communication solutions.

Omotayo joins Saldrey Communications following her impactful tenure as the Public Relations Manager of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), where she played a pivotal role in advancing the Association’s public image, stakeholder engagement, and policy communication strategies.

During her time at MAN, she was instrumental in crafting narratives that amplified the voice of Nigerian manufacturers, reinforcing the Association’s credibility across national and international platforms.

Beyond her corporate experience in MAN, Omotayo has founded and grown businesses in the media and events industry and her impact is felt particularly with Clefflake Media and Events, a boutique media and event consultancy renowned for its creative storytelling, experiential brand activations, and strategic communications expertise. Under her leadership, Clefflake Media and Events became a trusted name among clients seeking tailored solutions for their brands and memorable experiences at events.

At Saldrey Communications, Omotayo is poised to bring her wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand communication, and client relationship management to elevate the agency’s operational excellence and creative output.

Her appointment underscores Saldrey’s commitment to fostering leadership that drives measurable results and delivers unmatched value to clients.

“This is an opportunity to merge innovation with purpose. My coming on board is to not only strengthen the internal operations of the organisation but also create lasting value for our clients.

Saldrey Communications has always stood out for its deep understanding of influence mastery and its ability to deliver unmatched results to clients.

My goal is to amplify that strength, ensuring every project reflects the company’s core philosophy of delivering excellence, creativity, and results.”

According to Saldrey Communications’ value proposition as outlined on its website, the company is committed to “delivering strategic, innovative, and measurable communication solutions that connect brands to their audiences and drive sustainable growth.”

Omotayo’s appointment is aligned with this mission ensuring that every client engagement reflects the agency’s hallmark of precision, passion, and performance.

With her unique blend of corporate communications expertise, entrepreneurial flair, and passion for public relations, Omotayo Okewunmi is set to play a transformative role in driving Saldrey Communications’ next phase of growth, one that promises innovation, client satisfaction, and lasting impact.