The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on federal government regulatory agencies, particularly those in the oil and gas sector, to desist from making statements capable of demarketing local investments in the country.
MAN disclosed this in a statement by its Director-General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir.
Ajayi-Kadir said government regulatory agencies should be seen as promoting an environment where local businesses would thrive and not otherwise.
The association further noted that local investors like the Dangote should be accorded the needed support to continue to create jobs and reduce import dependencies.
“No regulatory agency should be seen to be casting a shadow over a homegrown investment like the Dangote Refinery.
“The allegations of poor quality, monopolistic tendencies and non-issuance of license have since been roundly debunked. There may then be the need to issue a clarification that absolves the Dangote Refinery of the negative perception generated by the news report,” the association stated.
MAN highlighted problems facing the manufacturing sector such as high energy costs, unfavourable FX regime, unfair competition from importers among others and called on the government to address these issues.
