Breaking News: The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged federal regulatory agencies to stop demarketing Nigerian products and services. MAN warned that such statements and remarks could undermine the Nigerian economy, hurt businesses, and hinder job creation.
Ogasabi and 9am news Nigeria report that MAN’s Director General, Comrade Segun Ajayi Kadir, issued this statement following recent disputes between the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The controversy arose over allegations that petroleum products from the Dangote refinery did not meet standards.
MAN emphasized the need for regulatory agencies to promote Nigerian investments and create a supportive business environment rather than a harsh one. As Nigeria faces job losses, encouraging local investors like Dangote is crucial to boosting employment for the populace.
In a statement obtained by 9am news Nigeria, MAN expressed grave concern and called for caution from government agencies and regulators in the oil and gas sector. The statement read: “The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria is gravely concerned and calls for caution from major actors, government agencies, and regulators in the oil and gas sector of the economy over the recent debunked allegations of poor quality of diesel leveled against one of the largest private investments in Africa by NMDPRA, the Dangote Refinery.”
MAN added, “Agencies of government providing regulatory oversight functions should promote an enabling business environment for local investments to thrive. No regulatory agency should be seen casting a shadow over a homegrown investment like the Dangote Refinery.”
The allegations of poor quality, monopolistic tendencies, and non-issuance of licenses have since been debunked. MAN suggested issuing a clarification to absolve the Dangote Refinery of the negative perception generated by the news report.
Additionally, MAN highlighted the daily challenges Nigerian manufacturers face, including high energy costs, difficulty in accessing foreign exchange, and unbridled importation of products into Nigeria, among other issues, 9am News Nigeria Reports
