Manufacturers demand tax reforms, better infrastructure to revive industry

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to streamline the country’s tax system, improve infrastructure and provide stable economic policies to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

The association made the call during the 41st Annual General Meeting of its Ogun State branch held in Abeokuta, where industry leaders examined the impact of fiscal and regulatory policies on manufacturing.

Speaking at the event, MAN President, Francis Meshioye, said manufacturers had faced increasing operational difficulties over the past three years due to economic reforms, rising production costs and an unpredictable business environment.

He noted that the survival of the sector depends on policies that encourage investment, reduce production costs and enable businesses to remain competitive.

According to Meshioye, priority should be given to harmonising taxes and levies, ensuring regulatory consistency, expanding access to affordable electricity, rehabilitating critical infrastructure and providing manufacturers with single-digit interest loans.

He also called for stronger measures to protect local industries from unfair competition through imports.

The MAN president urged regulatory agencies to adopt policies that promote industrial growth rather than focusing primarily on revenue generation.

While acknowledging progress made through engagements with government on issues such as safety audit charges, environmental compliance and water abstraction fees, Meshioye said manufacturers were still burdened by multiple taxation and poor road infrastructure in major industrial clusters.

He identified industrial roads in Agbara, Ota and Sagamu as requiring urgent government intervention to improve the movement of goods and reduce production costs.

Meshioye further appealed to the Federal Government to provide clarity on the implementation of the 2025 tax laws, reject retroactive taxation and direct the Central Bank of Nigeria to clear outstanding foreign exchange forward obligations owed to manufacturers.

He stressed that sustained collaboration between government and the private sector remains essential to building a resilient manufacturing industry capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs and attracting investment.