Africa's leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has made an appeal to the Federal Government to swiftly legislate and implement the proposed “Nigeria First” Policy.
He described the policy's enactment as a crucial and urgent measure required to revitalise the nation's struggling manufacturing sector, accelerate economic growth, and create sustainable jobs.
Addressing industry leaders at the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, Dangote lauded the theme of the gathering, ‘Nigeria First: Prioritising Made-in-Nigeria,’ calling it a timely and strategic appeal for action.
"The 'Nigeria First' Policy is not just a slogan but a call to action for sustained development and transformation led by our manufacturers.
“If implemented effectively, it can boost GDP, reduce import dependence, and generate jobs across the country,” Dangote stated.
He stressed that the policy represents a transformative framework capable of propelling Nigeria toward industrial self-sufficiency and global competitiveness, citing economic powerhouses like China, India, and the United States, which prioritised locally tailored industrial policies to protect and promote domestic industries.
Dangote expressed deep concern over the manufacturing sector's stagnant contribution to the national economy, noting that it still accounts for less than 10 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure has remained unchanged for over a decade.
He attributed this weak performance to persistent structural challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high-energy costs, policy inconsistency, foreign exchange volatility, and limited access to finance.
As a cautionary tale, the industrialist cited the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry, which at its peak employed over 500,000 people across 180 mills, demonstrating the dangers of unchecked importation and weak policy support.
To ensure the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy succeeds where past initiatives have failed, Dangote outlined key strategic priorities that manufacturers expect to be included and backed by law.
Dangote called for the enactment of a framework into law with enforceable compliance mechanisms to avoid policy reversals.
He equally called for what he termed long-term commitment and the avoidance of policy reversals to boost investor confidence.
The business mogul further wants manufacturers to “Create a verified database of local manufacturers for government procurement, launch a robust ‘Buy Made in Nigeria’ campaign to drive national pride and local patronage, support companies that invest in local raw materials and Research and Development.”
Furthermore, he urged the government to urgently tackle Infrastructure and Energy Deficits by improving access to affordable power and efficient logistics.
He also called for Enhanced Access to Finance through lower interest rates and expanded funding for manufacturing enterprises, as well as leveraging the AfCFTA Opportunities to strengthen export capacity and boost regional competitiveness.
Dangote concluded by stressing that the policy must “transcend political cycles and rhetoric to become a binding national strategy.”
He urged, “The Nigeria First policy, if embraced, will place us in a very competitive position. Let’s act.”
The 53rd MAN AGM provided a vital platform for industry leaders and policymakers to map out a strategy for the long-term, inclusive growth of Nigeria's industrial sector.
Aliko Dangote passionately urged the Federal Government to legislate the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy at the 53rd MAN AGM, arguing it's critical to boost the manufacturing sector (under 10% of GDP) and combat high energy costs and policy inconsistency. He called for mandatory local patronage, policy stability, and investment incentives.
#NigeriaFirst #MadeInNigeria #Dangote #MANAGM
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