When Nigeria’s manufacturing leaders gather in boardrooms to debate tariffs, energy reforms, and industrial policy, the discussion can feel distant from the daily concerns of ordinary citizens. But industry insiders say the connection is far more direct than most people realise — and bridging that perception gap could be the key to revitalising the sector.
At a recent stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, industry experts argued that policy debates on manufacturing should be more than abstract economics. They should be told through the lens of their impact on jobs, food prices, transportation, and even school fees.
“Every time the government adjusts import duties on raw materials or tweaks power sector regulations, it affects whether a factory runs at full capacity or lays off workers,” said Engr. Mansur Ahmed, a past president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). “That decision ripples into homes, affecting how much bread costs or whether a child’s school lunch includes protein.”
The Policy Side
Nigeria’s current manufacturing policy agenda centres on lowering production costs, boosting export competitiveness, and encouraging local sourcing. Advocates are calling for a steady electricity supply, predictable foreign exchange policies, and improved transport infrastructure. MAN has been lobbying for reforms that reduce the burden of multiple taxes and speed up port clearance times, both of which directly affect how quickly goods reach the market.
The Public Side
For many Nigerians, the impact of these policies is most visible in the marketplace. When a textile mill in Kano struggles with erratic power, the price of school uniforms goes up. When a Lagos food processing plant pays more for imported packaging because of forex volatility, the cost of bread or bottled drinks rises.
Take the story of Chioma Nnamdi, a mother of three at Ikorodu here in Lagos. She says her grocery bill jumped 15% in just six months, a change she didn’t immediately link to manufacturing policy. “I thought it was just inflation,” she said. “But when I heard that the biscuit factory in town had to cut shifts because they couldn’t get enough wheat, it made sense. The fewer biscuits they make, the more expensive they become.”
Why the Connection Matters
Policy experts warn that without telling more of these grassroots stories, the manufacturing sector risks losing public support for the reforms it needs.
“We have to make people see that when we fight for better trade terms, we’re fighting for their household budgets,” said Ahmed.
By blending high-level advocacy with relatable human stories, industry voices hope to strengthen the link between Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions and the day-to-day lives of its citizens. As Ahmed put it: “If policy stays in the realm of boardrooms, it risks becoming invisible. But when we connect it to the dinner table, everyone becomes a stakeholder.”
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
