The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed worries over the possible challenge of dumping of substandard goods in Nigeria by other African countries.
President of MAN, Engr. Mansur Ahmed who disclosed this at the weekend, described dumping as a huge challenge that may hinder manufacturers, even as he stressed the need to ensure that all participating countries obey the rule of origin policy that is expected to govern the trade.
According to Ahmed, “Dumping is frankly a matter of political will. Do our governments and political leaders have the political will to agree on those things that we have to do? To ensure that we do not allow dumping to take place, there is a need to ensure that all countries operate based on the rule of origin that has been agreed. But the difference is that while some countries will ensure that these regulations are complied with, others unfortunately will not do so. This calls for an effective monitoring mechanism to be put in place to ensure that all countries do the right thing.”
He pointed out that the implication of these challenges is that the growth and development of the manufacturing sector is stunted and adversely affects the attainment of the sector’s full potential of massive job and wealth creation.
He, however, commended the government on the decision to reopen the land borders for ease of trade engagements particularly under the implementation phase of the AfCFTA, stressing that the trade pact has the potential to build Africa’s capacity to manufacture and change the narrative of African economy and give Africa a stronger voice and positioning in the global economy.
“I’m confident that there will be a tremendous opportunity for growth and development for each and every one if the countries that signed this agreement are willing to come together to make it a success. But this cannot come without challenges,” he added.
He further reiterated that by far the major headache that stares manufacturers in the face is the issue of dumping, advising that to prevent dumping, there is need to ensure that all countries operate based on the rule of origin that has been agreed.
“The difference is that while some countries will ensure that these regulations are complied with, others unfortunately will not do so. This calls for an effective monitoring mechanism to be put in place to ensure that all countries do the right thing,” he noted.
