Business
MAN Tasks FG To Strictly Enforce Local Content Laws in Manufacturing Sector
By Ocheneyi Alli
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to ensure strict enforcement of local content laws in the manufacturing sector of the economy.
Otunba Francis Meshioye, the President of MAN, made the call during the 3rd Adeola Odutola Lecture / 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, with the theme “Setting the Agenda for Competitive Manufacturing under the AfCFTA: What Nigeria Needs to Do.”
Meshioye, observed that Nigeria has a low local content adoption and patronage of made in Nigeria products, and therefore, urged the government to ensure effective enforcement of local content and patronage regulations.
He said this can be achieved by strict enforcement of local content laws, giving incentives for local sourcing of raw materials, and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
He said that the government should also compel the public sector at all levels to , as a matter of national importance, step up their compliance with existing government directive on patronage of made-in-Nigeria products, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.
In addition he said the manufacturing sector is one of the sectors of the economy with wide sectoral interlinkages.
“However, the low level of development of auxiliary sectors is disentangling the manufacturing sector from the rest of the sectors.
This is more so in agriculture, iron and steel and mining sectors.
“This has resulted in a limited supply of raw materials and other input for the manufacturing sector,” he said .
Therefore, it is essential to encourage backward integration and sectoral linkages to promote a more sustainable manufacturing sector in Nigeria.” he advised.
At the event, the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, extended the Federal Government’s assurances of collaboration to the local manufacturers towards enhancing their competitiveness .
She said the current administration envisions industrial revitalisation and is committed to covering real aspects of industrialization from consumer credit, fiscal and monetary policy alignment and continuous engagement in delivering the presidential initiatives.
Represented by Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Director-General, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Minister said that to harness full benefits of the AfCFTA, ” we must deploy strategic interventions in the manufacturing sector to enhance competitive edge, seeing the manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy.
Aganga urged the Federal Government to declare the Industrial sector a national priority sector and back it with plans, policies and money.
“To maximise the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, there are four imperatives which are combined responsibility of government and manufacturing sector; robust public private partnership particularly in the area of research and development to enhance the strength of manufacturing, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) with capacity and potential for exports and investment in infrastructure and technology.
“We also must enhance quality standards and performance and adhere to international quality standards.”
Likewise, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, a former minister of Industry , added that the continued flooding of the domestic market with cheaper and substandard products from China and elsewhere would derail the country’s plans to dominate AfCFTA as the largest market in the continent.
Aganga urged the Federal Government to declare the Industrial sector a national priority sector and back it with plans, policies and money.
The Former Minister pointed out that embracing competitive manufacturing under the AfCFTA is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and integration into the global market place.
“Nigeria may not be able to compete with China now, but by investing in infrastructure, innovation and skilled labour, while addressing trade barriers, the business environment and promoting market access, Nigeria can certainly position itself as the manufacturing hub in Africa.
“Let us work together and seize this historic opportunity and create a prosperous and vibrant manufacturing sector that will benefit Nigerians and contribute to the economic development of the African continent as whole,” he said.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N30.00, from N850 to N820 per litre, effective from 12th August 2025.
According to a statement released by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, they assure the public of a consistent and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products as part of its unwavering commitment to national development”.
He said, “In line with their dedication to operational excellence and sustainable energy solutions, Dangote Petroleum Refinery will commence the phased deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution across Nigeria, effective August 15, 2025.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.
In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.
The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.
According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.
In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.
“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days, with full upfront payment. Should any supposed supply shortage occur, these buyers would be well-positioned to benefit from the predicted market rise,” it added.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages.
Ikeja Electric has released updated prices for prepaid meters, which take effect from August 6, 2025. The revised rates cover both single-phase and three-phase meter types and are inclusive of VAT.
The revised rates were announced on the disco’s official X account on Friday.
The company announced that “MBH Power Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,987.50, while the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00. Turbo Energy Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,608.75, while the three-phase costs ₦236,903.13.
“Aries Electric Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,125.00, and the three-phase costs ₦258,000.00. Mojec Asset Management Company Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,718.75, and the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00.
“Paktim Metering Nig. Ltd, the one-phase meter costs ₦137,600.00, while the three-phase meter costs ₦233,275.00. Holley Metering Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,854.03, three-phase meter costs ₦219,497.09.
“CIG Metering Assets Nigeria Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦150,500.00, New Hampshire Capital Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,300.00 and the three-phase costs ₦231,125.00.”
The electricity distribution company noted that the prices are “valid subject to meter availability,” adding that the changes are part of its effort to ensure customers have access to up-to-date information on meter procurement.
The company also assured customers that the new pricing reflects the latest approved rates for meter providers under its Meter Asset Provider scheme.
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