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Stakeholders Share Thoughts on What Nigeria Needs To Do For Thriving Manufacturing Sector

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By: Ocheneyi Alli

‘Setting The Agenda for Competitive Manufacturing under the AFCFTA : What Nigeria Needs to Do ‘

The above was the theme of the 3rd Adeola Odutola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon, organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), to mark its 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM).

At the event, held last week Thursday in Lagos, Otunba Francis Meshioye, the President MAN, said that the AGM theme was chosen to bring to the fore decades of the manufacturing sector’s successive low performance, and the promising growth trajectory and development opportunities that are embedded in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) for the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

AfDB and UNIDO Industrial Competitiveness Index

He cited the African Development Bank (AFDB)’s industrialization index, which reports that Nigeria is yet to perform impressively in Manufacturing outputs .

Also, the UNIDO’s industrial competitive performance index has shown that Nigeria’s industrial sector has a low competitive capacity.

“There is no better time than now to confront the challenge of low competitiveness and abysmal performance of this important sector,” said Meshioye.

▪︎Francis Meshioye, MAN President

Global manufacturing outputs

Evidences from several parts of the world, including China, the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, have shown the importance of the manufacturing sector in building a resilient economy.

“As an example, in 2021, average manufacturing output accounted for as high as 35 per cent of Ireland’s GDP growth; 27.44 per cent in the case of China, and 48 per cent of Puerto Rico’s economy.

Agenda For The Sector’s Transformation

He said said that though,  the manufacturing sector is passing through hard and challenging times, setting a comprehensive agenda for the sector’s transformation will enhance its competitiveness and unlock its full potential.

Therefore, for the sector to do well, Meshioye, called on the Federal Government to ensure strict enforcement of local content laws in the manufacturing sector of the economy.

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 also said that the government  should also compel its ministries, departments and agencies 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 the Executive Orders 003 and 005.

In 2021, average manufacturing output accounted for as high as 35 per cent of Ireland’s GDP growth; 27.44 per cent in the case of China, and 48 per cent of Puerto Rico’s economy

* Manufacturing Outputs

Sectoral Linkages and backward integration

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.

Government and manufacturers roles

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, expressed the readiness of the Minister of Industry to collaborate with MAN for the resuscitation of industrialization, emphasising the pivotal role of manufacturing in enhancing economic competitiveness of the country.

She maintained that there are four areas of collaboration between the government and manufacturing sector’s operators.


Namely,  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,” she said.

She maintained that Government is willing to support the establishment of research and development centres across the nation to enhance innovation and manufacturers should be encouraged to create these centres.

The Minister called on manufacturers to promote regional value chains and industrial clusters particularly with the ongoing efforts to join the second phase of the guided trade initiative.

“Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector not only thrives but becomes a global benchmark for manufacturing, contributing to the growth of the continent and the globe,” she said.

Keynote speaker’s  insights

▪︎Olusegun Aganga

Olusegun Aganga, the  Former Minister, Industry Trade and Investment, gave the keynote address.

Aganga offered insights into what Nigeria needs to do to harness the potential of AfCFTA and improve its manufacturing sector.

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 marketplace.

“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.

Needs for National Competitiveness Council (NCC)

“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.


Moreover, Aganga underscored the significance of establishing a National Competitiveness Council (NCC) as an effective platform for constructive public-private dialogue on economic competitiveness.


NCCs, a proven global approach, help provide objective information on a nation’s competitiveness status and promote awareness of the correlation between national competitiveness, business performance, economic growth, and the overall prosperity of the population, he added.

The Former Minister also advocated the streamlining  of the Customs procedures and regulations to simplify cross-border trade while reducing associated costs.

He urges Nigeria to harmonizing standards and norms to minimize non-tariff barriers and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement were key steps for Nigeria’s progress.

Monitoring Progress and making adjustments

“We must continuously monitor and evaluate our progress, making necessary adjustments along the way,” he stated.

▪︎From left: Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN Director-General, and Omotayo Okewunmi, MAN PRO, anchor the event.

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“Only 37% of Nigerian roads are in good condition ” – MAN

The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.

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L-R: MD Coleman Wires and Cables industries limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, DG MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, and Mr. Adetunji Aderinto, founder Zetamind consulting limited at a conference organized by Business Day in Lagos on Thursday.

“Only 37 percent of Nigerian roads are in good condition, which continues to increase production and transportation costs, making Nigerian products less competitive.”

“Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director – General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), gave this statistics during the 2025 Manufacturing Conference organized by BusinessDay in Lagos, with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Manufacturing Potential: Strategies for Sustainable Growth Amid Economic Turbulence.”

Ajayi-Kadir noted that while recent improvements in infrastructure is commendable, there’s need for investing significantly in critical transport infrastructure — roads, ports, and industrial corridors — to reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve market access.

He stated, “The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.

This requires strategic action across infrastructure, fiscal policy, and regional integration.”

Ajayi-Kadir acknowledged the passage of four tax reform bills aimed at streamlining the tax system and praised the government’s “Nigeria First Policy.”

However, he emphasized the need for swift and effective implementation.

He further recommended making the Nigeria First Policy a binding law, with penalties for violators, to ensure transparency, public awareness, and enforcement.

Ajayi-Kadir further called for establishing structured platforms for regular consultations with manufacturers to align policies with industry needs.

“There is need for setting up systems for timely and relevant export data sharing through embassies, trade attachés, and relevant agencies to help manufacturers access global markets.

Also ensuring consistent and transparent policy-making to boost investor confidence and foster long-term growth.”

The Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, noted that more foreign investors are entering Nigeria to establish businesses despite prevailing economic challenges, even as some local businesses continue to complain about the operating environment.

He urged Nigerian manufacturers to look inward and explore the abundant opportunities within the country to boost their enterprises.

In the same vein, Adetunji Aderinto, founder of Zetamind Consulting Limited and a fellow panelist, remarked that foreign investors often recognize prospects in the Nigerian market that many local manufacturers overlook.

He advised manufacturers to reduce costs through technology adoption and data utilization.

“Some manufacturers shut down operations because they don’t understand what their customers need. They need to increase market share and strengthen their supply chains,” Aderinto added.

The Director -General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Olusola Obadimu, called on the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps to curb inflation.

He also urged state governments to focus more on people-centric development rather than internally generated revenue alone.

The panelists collectively encouraged Nigerians to patronize locally made products and commended the Federal Government’s efforts in promoting the “Buy Nigeria” campaign.

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Complete List of Documents You Need to Buy Land in Lagos by Dennis Isong

And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.

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Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.

Buying land in Lagos can be a rewarding move—whether you’re planning to build a home, invest for the future, or start a commercial project.

But while the opportunities are exciting, the process isn’t as straightforward as just paying and getting a receipt.

Lagos, like many parts of Nigeria, has its peculiar legal and property documentation system, and understanding this system can be the difference between owning your land and losing your hard-earned money.

If you’re thinking about land ownership in this dynamic city, then knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos is not just helpful—it’s essential.

These documents are your only legal shield in a city where land disputes and multiple claims are far too common.

Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand.

First Things First: Why Documentation Matters

In Lagos, land ownership is often a maze.

There’s family land, government-acquired land, excised land, and committed land. Many buyers have found themselves entangled in court cases or financial loss simply because they didn’t know what papers to ask for.

Documents give your land transaction structure and legality. Without them, your ownership is shaky at best and fraudulent at worst.

Now let’s walk through the key documents you must check for—and get—before buying land in Lagos.

The Survey Plan

This is the starting point. A survey plan shows the exact location and measurements of the land. It tells you where the land is and how big it is.

More importantly, it helps confirm if the land falls within a government-acquired or committed area.

Government-acquired lands are off-limits unless the land has been officially released (excised).

A verified survey plan will also tell you whether the land has been registered before.

To be on the safe side, always take the survey plan to a registered surveyor or the Lagos State Surveyor General’s office for charting.

That way, you know you’re not buying into trouble.

The Deed of Assignment

when land changes hands—from seller to buyer—a Deed of Assignment is what captures that transfer.

This document states the details of the transaction: who sold it, who bought it, the size of the land, the location, and the terms of sale.

It must also indicate the history of ownership—how the seller came to own the land in the first place.

This document is legally powerful and must be prepared by a property lawyer. After signing, it should be submitted for Governor’s Consent, which we’ll explain shortly.

A Deed of Assignment without proper registration is like buying a car and not transferring the papers—ownership can easily be disputed.

The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

Now, this is one of the most talked-about property documents in Lagos.

The Certificate of Occupancy, often called the “C of O,” is proof that the government officially recognizes someone’s right to occupy a piece of land for 99 years.

If a land has a C of O, it means the land has been titled and recognized by the Lagos State Government.

Not all lands have this document, and that doesn’t always mean it’s illegal—but buying land with a valid C of O is the safest route.

It reduces the risk of future government interference and makes getting loans or building approvals easier. However, it’s important to confirm that the C of O truly belongs to the land you’re buying. Cross-check with the Ministry of Lands to be sure.

The Governor’s Consent

This one often confuses people. If a land already has a C of O and is being sold to someone else, the new buyer must obtain the Governor’s Consent.

Why? Because under Nigerian land law, no land transaction is considered fully legal without the consent of the Governor of the state.

The Governor’s Consent is not a casual formality—it’s a legal requirement. Without it, the sale remains incomplete in the eyes of the law. It’s part of what turns your Deed of Assignment into a fully recognized document.

The Gazette

Now, not all lands in Lagos are initially free from government acquisition. Some are acquired by the government but later released to the original landowners—often communities—through a formal process.

When this happens, the release is published in an official record called a Gazette.

A Gazette shows that the land has been excised, meaning it is no longer under government acquisition and can now be owned and sold legally. If the land you’re planning to buy falls under this category, ask for the Gazette and verify it.

Buying land with a valid Gazette is better than buying land with nothing at all, but still not as solid as a C of O.

The Receipt

Yes, it sounds basic, but the purchase receipt is also important. It shows that money has exchanged hands and helps to track the financial side of the transaction.

It includes the date of purchase, the amount paid, the names of both parties, and the description of the land.

While a receipt alone doesn’t mean you now own land, it complements your other documents—especially the Deed of Assignment.

The Contract of Sale

This is sometimes prepared before the Deed of Assignment. It outlines the agreement between both parties before the land is officially transferred. Think of it as a promise-to-sell document.

It usually spells out payment terms (e.g., installments), timelines, and other conditions of the sale.

It’s useful in cases where payment is staggered over time or where the buyer needs a few months to perfect documents.

However, it is not a substitute for the Deed of Assignment.

Family or Community Consent (if it’s family land)

If you’re buying land from a family or community—which is still common in Lagos—you must get the consent of all principal family members or the land-owning community heads.

This is very important. If just one person signs and others later disagree, your ownership could be challenged.

Many people have found themselves battling “omo onile” (land touts or family claimants) simply because they didn’t get proper family or community consent.

Ensure a family resolution or legal confirmation is obtained.

Government Allocation Letter (for government schemes)

If you’re buying land from a government housing scheme or state-owned development, you’ll receive a Government Allocation Letter. This letter assigns the land to you and states the terms under which you can occupy it.

This letter usually comes before the C of O is issued, and it’s your first legal evidence of land allocation.

It is very common in places like Lekki and other government-developed areas in Lagos.

Conclusion: Don’t Just Buy Land—Buy Peace of Mind

Buying land in Lagos is a serious investment. And while the market is full of promises, it’s also full of pitfalls. Knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos can help you avoid heartache and financial loss.

Whether you’re buying land with a C of O, a Gazette, or through a Deed of Assignment, make sure everything is checked, verified, and registered properly.

Don’t just depend on what the seller says. Involve professionals—real estate lawyers, surveyors, and agents who understand Lagos terrain.

Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.

The right documents protect your ownership today and into the future.

If you’re ever in doubt, ask questions.

And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.

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EFCC boss fingers insider-aided cyber attacks on Nigerian banks

…Bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Barrister Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting Nigerian banks, revealing that insiders are collaborating with foreign hackers to siphon off billions of naira.

Olukoyede spoke on TVC News’ Journalists Hangout and disclosed that six commercial banks have been hit by coordinated cyber intrusions involving a syndicate of local and international criminals exploiting internal vulnerability.

He emphasised that compromised bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.

” Once access is gained, the attackers swiftly transfer large sums of money within seconds.

“These are highly coordinated attacks, and insiders play a critical role. In some cases, billions were moved in a matter of moments, but we were able to recover N9.7 billion, N6.7 billion, and N3.7 billion in three separate incidents,” said Olukoyede.

He clarified that while the attacks are severe, the institutions are not to blame. Rather, the breaches stem from the actions of rogue staff.

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