MMIA Project: Patronise local expertise, materials, MAN tells FG
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to patronise local experts and materials regarding the ongoing procurement process for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Operational Perimeter Fencing and Security Surveillance Project. This is in the wake of the reported approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to complete renovation […]
manufacturers association of nigeria (man)
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to patronise local experts and materials regarding the ongoing procurement process for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Operational Perimeter Fencing and Security Surveillance Project.
This is in the wake of the reported approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to complete renovation of Lagos airport among other projects.
“It has become a matter of national interest for the contractor handling the project to ensure strict adherence to the Executive Orders 003, 005 and the imperatives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy. In particular, we strongly maintain that, in considering the procurement of Clear Vu fencing, indigenous manufacturers should be given priority consideration and it should NOT be purchased from outside Nigeria,” Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN’s Director General, said in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, while MAN acknowledges the competence of the foreign manufacturer, it emphasizes that Nigerian companies have the proven capacity and technical expertise to produce fencing materials of equal — if not superior — quality that meets international standards.
He said the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, recently reaffirmed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has rekindled the confidence of Nigerian manufacturers.
He said the policy builds on earlier Executive Orders 003 and 005, which mandate the prioritization of locally manufactured goods and services in public procurement.
The DG said importing fencing materials for this project would not only undermine the policy, but also deprive Nigeria of critical benefits, like job opportunities for Nigerian youth and skilled workers.
He added that such action will deny the country increased tax revenues and government earnings through local production as well as a strengthened industrial base and security through self-reliance.
“This release became necessary as Nigerian manufacturers, regrettably, lost out in similar situations in the past. In this particular instance, despite MAN’s advocacy, fencing materials for an airport project were imported from South Africa. That decision discouraged local industries and contradicted the government’s stated local content policies,” he said.
The DG said the manufacturers strongly believe that this administration has the opportunity to correct past errors.