The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and leading industrialist Aliko Dangote have called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to give legal force to the proposed ‘Nigeria First’ industrial policy, describing it as vital to reviving local production and protecting the nation’s economic independence.
The appeal was made in Lagos during the 5th Adeola Oduntola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon, which formed part of MAN’s 53rd Annual General Meeting with the theme, “Prioritising Made-in-Nigeria.”
In his opening address, MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said that effective enforcement of the new industrial framework must not be delayed, stressing that compliance and implementation should be measured through clear performance indicators managed by a strong national procurement agency.
Meshioye proposed the creation of a ₦1 trillion industrial stabilisation fund to assist manufacturers facing high production costs and economic volatility.
According to him, “The Nigeria First policy is not just a slogan; it is a necessity for our survival as a productive nation. The future of our economy rests on how firmly we can strengthen local industries, support innovation, and sustain manufacturing jobs within our borders.”
He noted that the policy represents a long-term vision to build self-reliance, resilience, and competitiveness for Nigerian products in both local and global markets.
Speaking at the event, Dangote, represented by Engr. Ahmed Mansur, President of the Pan African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), said that manufacturing remains the backbone of any strong economy and should receive consistent policy attention.
Dangote argued that Nigeria’s growth will accelerate only when government policies deliberately strengthen local manufacturing capacity, adding that every industrial policy must be protected from political interference and market instability.
He said, “For the Nigeria First initiative to deliver results, it should be adopted as a permanent national plan that remains valid across political administrations. It must draw from global best practices while staying true to Nigeria’s unique economic conditions.”
Both MAN and Dangote agreed that sustained commitment to local production is the most effective way to generate employment, stabilise the naira, cut imports, and position Nigeria as a leading industrial hub in Africa.
