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Now, as MAN holds its 42nd annual general meeting which marks the end of tenure of the once hopeful chapter chairman, Vincent Okuku, an elder, shared pains of disappointment caused by the endless crisis.\n<\/p>\n
In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay at the event, Okuku put the blame squarely on the political crisis.<\/p>\n
He said the perennial challenge of multiple taxation, poor power supply, lack of industrial hub, among others, is as a result of the political crises that hit Rivers State between 2023-2026.\n<\/p>\n
The outgoing chairman was asked to explain why the same pleas he made about the fate of industries when he mounted the seat were the same ones that he submitted on his last stunt.\n<\/p>\n
\u200e\n<\/p>\n
He blamed the setbacks on the system, saying that MAN presented their challenges to a government whose responsibility it is to proffer the needed solutions but was caught up in political tussle.\n<\/p>\n
\u200e<\/p>\n
\u200eOkuku, however, expressed joy over the reconciliation taking place in the state and return of political stability, saying that the Governor may now focus on the delivery of governance, and focus tackling critical challenges facing the economy such as the one facing manufacturers in the State, and that key policies, can now get the desired attention.\n<\/p>\n
He seemed unaware that the crisis over how much the governor must hand over to the lawmakers and their backers before getting the 2026\/27 budget passed is being blamed for the total lack of anything going on again in the state; city reeking in refuse, roads blocked, jobs not being created, programmes not being executed, events not getting government attention\/support, etc.\n<\/p>\n
\u200e<\/p>\n \u200eGov Fubara seemed to have left his political camp to appease his traducers but seems not truly welcomed back; thus hanging between the Simplified (that backed him) and the coloured coalition that crushed his rebellion.\n<\/p>\n Okuku explained that the leadership of MAN had robustly engaged the State government and got commitments on resolving the issues facing the manufacturing sector in the State, but that the political crises interrupted implementations .<\/p>\n \u200e<\/p>\n \u200eHe however commended the Fubara-led administration for having a listening ear, a development he said had made it possible for MAN to interface with the government and also to make some inputs.\n<\/p>\n \u200eOkuku also admitted there has been some improvement in the area of \u2018ease of doing business\u2019 and other areas.\n<\/p>\n \u200eOne of such notable improvements, he stated, is the creation of Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) which he said has in turn midwifed a One-Stop-Centre to facilitate registrations, documentations, revenues and other tax-related matters, saving the time, energy, and resources that manufacturers expended in the course of establishing and doing business in the State.\n<\/p>\n \u200eIt also eliminated other bottlenecks that stifled manufacturing operations, he said.<\/p>\n \u200eThe outgoing chairman acknowledged the commencement of further discussions between the Rivers State Government and manufacturers in the state on critical issues which he said were getting the government\u2019s nod.\n<\/p>\n Now, he said, \u201cI am glad that peace is returning to Rivers State. This political stability will mean a lot for manufacturers as no business can thrive in an atmosphere of political rancor. No investor will be willing to invest in an environment that is not secure. Peace is what we need for the manufacturing sector to survive in Rivers State\u201d, Okuku emphasized.\n<\/p>\n \u200eThe outgoing chairman hinted that manufacturers have received security assurances through the officers and representatives of the two States that would boost the sector.\n<\/p>\n Unlocking the blue economy:\n<\/p>\n Okuku drew attention to the unfolding new sector, the blue economy, and urged Rivers and Bayelsa States which he said were well positioned to benefit from it, to act fast.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cBeyond oil and gas, there are opportunities in port services, logistics, ship repair, marine engineering, fisheries, aquaculture processing, cold-chain facilities and other maritime-related industries. Developing these sectors can create jobs, attract investment and open new markets for local businesses.\n<\/p>\n \u201cTo achieve this, we need supportive policies, suitable infrastructure and strong collaboration among government, manufacturers, investors and host communities. Our goal should be to create more value locally, develop new industries and ensure that the economic benefits of our natural resources reach more people.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The elder sent a message to his successors to build on what his team achieved and take the branch to greater heights. His team had moved the revenue to 800% higher than he met it.\n<\/p>\n \u201cLet our upgraded Secretariat provide better services to members. Let our bus support more effective outreach. Let our improved revenue profile translate into stronger, more impactful programmes for members.\n<\/p>\n No manufacturing, no development, says Okenze Obinna<\/p>\n The AGM recorded a keynote lecture delivered by Okenze Obinna, National Vice President MAN, Eastern Zone, who made it clear that there can be no economic development if manufacturing is not made the number one priority of the government.\n<\/p>\n Most industrialists say governments see industries as the private affairs of individual manufacturers, forgetting that a nation\u2019s manufacturing base was its powerbase, and that Government must come up with long term policies to strengthen investors\u2019 confidence.\n<\/p>\n This reminder came in the face of the coming of Chinese manufacturers and retail traders who seem to win the admiration of the Federal Government.\n<\/p>\n Ifeanyi Okoye, MAN President, had earlier at the AGM, warned that Nigerian producers with 36% interest rate would never compete with the invading Chinese manufacturers with 3%.\n<\/p>\n The national Vice President, Eastern Zone, on his own said Nigeria cannot survive on consumption alone.<\/p>\n \u200e\n<\/p>\n \u200eHe called for a synergy between the different sectors, especially the education sector, saying there is a gap between the Nigeria education curriculum and the demands of the industry.\n<\/p>\n \u200e\n<\/p>\n \u200eOkenze emphasized the need for the government to encourage skills acquisition, internship, and apprenticeship, as most graduates parade beautiful certificates but lack the requisite skills to function on the job.\n<\/p>\n \u200e<\/p>\n \u200eHe noted that industries around the world are now driven by AI and automation, and called on Nigerian to see the skills as a must-have, if they must secure a place in modern industries.\u200e\n<\/p>\n \u200e\n<\/p>\n Obinna further called on Nigeria to improve infrastructure such as stable electricity and good road networks as they are seen to be vital to the survival of manufacturing.\n<\/p>\n He mentioned some long term policies to boost investors\u2019 confidence. \u201c\u200eA long term policy allows investors to come up with a up to 15 years plan to enable their business to grow.\n<\/p>\n \u200e<\/p>\n \u200eObinna pointed to Nigeria\u2019s areas of comparative advantage such as Agro allied processing, solid minerals, oil products among others, to boost investment.\n<\/p>\n He not only called for structured taxation but asked for a published list of incentives so manufacturers would know which is a favour and which is a law.\n<\/p>\n \u200eOkenze Obinna also urged the government to expedite the approval process for manufacturers as delays were killing great business ideas. He seeks particular attention to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) by providing grants and other support to encourage young ones to go into business.\n<\/p>\n \u200eThe eastern MAN boss urged Nigeria to create a structure and encourage apprenticeship, internship, skills acquisition system and shun the over-dependence on university education\n<\/p>\n He said manufacturing will also strengthen Nigeria\u2019s export and discourage overdependence on oil as the world is transiting to green energy.<\/p>\n \u200eProposed a system of education with three years in the factory and two years in the classroom for Engineering students for them to be factory-ready and not be graduates who mastered theories but lack the requisite skills to man the industry.\n<\/p>\n \u200eOn her part, Esther Mmeka, Director, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship at the National Universities Commission Abuja, emphasized the need to revisit the curriculum from nursery and primary schools, where academic foundations are laid.\n<\/p>\n \u200eMmeka emphasized that the transition to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) is intended to address the existing gap.\n<\/p>\n \u200eShe called for a shift from job seekers to job creators so as to tackle the issues of unemployment in Nigeria.\n<\/p>\n \u200eMmeka also spoke on the need for further reforms to focus on Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES), Entrepreneurship, Professional Certifications for Nigeria to emerge as a top industrial economy.<\/p>\n \u200eAlso speaking, Pacqueen Irabor, an Assistant General Manager at the Bank of Industry (BOI) and divisional head for MSME South-South in the Bank, identified a lack of value creation as the major factor militating against the establishment of business and industries in Nigeria and not finance as it is widely believed.\n<\/p>\n \u200eIrabor noted that before money was introduced to society, such problems existed, and explained that it is the exchange of values that drives development in society.\n<\/p>\n \u200eIrabor admonished manufacturers to always approach the Bank of Industry as it is on hand to finance infrastructure at a low interest rate.\n<\/p>\n \u200eSolomon Imonikhe, speaking on Tax Incentives and Fiscal Policies for Industrial Expansion, called on MAN to always engage the government and ensure to make inputs to Tax regulations.\n<\/p>\n Imonikhe said that the existing Tax Act went through various stages before it became an Act, and as such cannot be easily dropped when it has been passed.<\/p>\n \u200eMAN also used the occasion to recognize both governors of Rivers and Bayelsa states (Fubara and Douye Diri) for their contributions to the ease of doing business in the states.\n<\/p>\n Speaking to declare the AGM open, the national president, Okoye, who warned that Nigeria cannot compete with Chinese manufacturers due to power supply and interest rate disparities, recommended fast-tracking of industrial clusters with dedicated gas to industry power like the Bayelsa government has done.\n<\/p>\n He went on: \u201cImplement single consolidated tax demand system through joint harmonization committees. Have committees to harmonize your tax collection and not disturbing manufacturers on the roads, stopping their trucks front and back. Prioritize rehabilitation of access roads to Trans Amadi, particularly Eleme, Oney, Ugwuta, Ali, Okaka, Barantoru through PPP, that is involving private practitioners.\u201d\n<\/p>\n He said it is possible to establish one-stop shop for land documentation. \u201cThis is to make it easier for manufacturers to sort out issues with land. You know that in Nigeria if you enter any bank, the first thing they\u2019ll ask you is your documents, meaning documents of your factory (land).\n<\/p>\n \u201cIt is good to have quarterly discussions between the governments in the zone and manufacturers. With that, issues can be ironed out. If you have occasion to talk with the government once a while, it will be great.<\/p>\n \u201cSo the incoming chairman must make it possible for us to see the government to establish our having regular discussions if possible quarterly to bring out our problems for them to know.\n<\/p>\n \u201cManufacturers within the state are demanding that members should be included on relevant boards or governmental establishments. This is very essential.\n<\/p>\n \u201cImprove power infrastructure, we\u2019ve said that several times. Continue investment in roads, ports, and rails, of course to improve evacuation of our goods and of course bringing in our raw materials.\n<\/p>\n \u201cEstablishment of structured framework for corporate community dialogue. Let\u2019s have opportunities to dialogue with the communities once a while, not just coming to attack us anytime they feel that they\u2019re not comfortable with us.\n<\/p>\n \u201cDevelop blue economy by leveraging marine-based industries in Sampou Brass, etc as blue economy manufacturing zone. I hope the Bayelsa Governor knows the area we are talking about. So you discuss with the person that is subsidizing you to be able to discuss this with the government.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will appreciate the two governments to try as much as possible to enforce the purchase and use of Made in Nigeria Goods, most especially within the MDAs. That will please us a lot. We also requested the federal government to include men in all relevant economic negotiations.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Okoye urged the FG to fix industrial transport corridors and resolve outstanding foreign exchange owed to manufacturers. \u201cMost manufacturers are being owed by the regulators and we are requesting them to please assist us in getting this sorted out\n<\/p>\n \u201cWe also requested the federal government to promote smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence. On its part, the federal government should be committed to reliable energy for industrial clusters, and affordable long-term capital loans through development finance institutions like the BOI.\n<\/p>\n \u201cCurrently, we enjoy 9%, if you\u2019re importing machinery, but working capital, I think it\u2019s 13%.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The communique of the AGM is expected to help articulate the views and resolutions of the manufacturers and stakeholders to the FG and the states.<\/p>\n Source: <\/p>\n A bright industrial future seemed to dawn on Rivers State economy the moment Sim Fubara mounted the throne in the Brick House in Port Harcourt. A delegation from the Manufacturers… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12382,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12381\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globalnigerianews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/MAN-recounts-how-Rivers-fierce-political-crisis-stalled-plans-for-industrialisation-Businessday-NG-1.jpg\")
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