The Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the 2035 deadline pecked by the developed nations and other nations to end the use of fossil fuel will deal a fatal blow to Nigeria’s mono-economy if the country fails to act fast.
MAN noted that the deadline is not too far as the country may think thereby becoming imperative for the country to develop economic strategies to boost production for export.
The national president of MAN, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, stated this during the 15th annual general meeting/ public lecture held in Uyo Wednesday.
Blueprint correspondent reports that the theme was: ‘Challenges of FX Sourcing; The Manufacturers’ Perspective Export Window and Thinking Outside the Box.’
Ahmed said manufacturers remain the backbone of any nation’s economy and stressed it was a disincentive for manufacturers to be laboured with multiple taxations.
“The manufacturing sector has been acknowledged as the highest contributor to a job and human creation through development and technology transfer.
“It is necessary that the federal and state government together with their agencies work with synergies, carrying along relevant stakeholders in fashioning appropriate strategies to improve and stabilise the economy.
“There should be a partnership between the state and the federal government for the total rehabilitation of roads to aid the movement of goods and services and therefore encourage industrial development of the area.
“There should be harmonisation of taxes, especially, local government and roads related levies to aid ease of compliance by MAN members and end possibility of exploitation and harassment by government officials,” he added.
He appealed to the federal government to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange and also consider the slashing of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise called diesel to manufacturers.
In his goodwill message, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, commended the manufacturers for their doggedness to stay afloat in business despite the current economic reality.
