Business
Economic Reforms, Determinant To Manufacturing – MAN … AI Adoption As Game Changer
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said the outlook of the manufacturing sector in 2025 will largely depend on the outcome of the ongoing economic reforms of the Federal Government.
President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, who stated this at the 9th edition of the MAN Media Personality of the Year Award held in Lagos, also identified the efficient adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potential game changer for the sector.
Meshioye said manufacturers are hoping for a more stable economy in 2025 depending mostly on the success of the economic reforms of the government, while expressing hope in the effective management of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) to stabilise the Naira.
“Looking ahead to 2025, Nigeria’s overall economic growth is projected to be around 4%, a modest recovery compared to previous years, though still lower than the average growth rate for sub-Saharan Africa.
“We should expect that interest rate will begin to ease, as its continued hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has failed to curb inflation and has instead stifled investment and business expansion.
“Only a favorable interest rate environment would help manufacturers access the necessary financing to reinvest in their operations and drive productivity.
“Nevertheless, the outlook for the manufacturing sector in 2025 largely depends on the success of ongoing economic reforms, which include: the implementation of the proposed tax reforms, stabilisation of critical macroeconomic indicators, and targeted investments in infrastructure and technology.
“Considering the series of ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms of the present administration, the contraction of the economy is expected to ease and experience some growth this year with stability in the exchange rate regime in 2025″, Meshioye said.
The MAN President emphasised the need for the efficient deployment of AI in the manufacturing sector in the new year and beyond.
Accordiing to him, “The efficient adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a game changer for the manufacturing sector in 2025 and the nearest future.
“This is expected to help in engendering enhanced production and productivity, improved capacity utilisation, innovative product development, improved inventory system, efficient logistics operations etc.
“It is projected that technology adoption through research and development will fast-track the emergence of the much-awaited transformational growth of the real sector of the economy.
“And as manufacturers, we are gearing up and ready to embark on this interesting journey on the path of growth.
“For the sector to regain its momentum, efforts to improve productivity and enhance competitiveness must be sustained as this is crucial in helping Nigerian manufacturers navigate the challenges they face”.
Continue Reading
Fresh explosions have hit oil and gas pipelines in Odau Community, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggering a major security and environmental crisis that has forced residents to abandon their homes.
The first incident occurred along the Kolo Creek – Rumuekpe crude oil pipelines, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
This was followed by a gas pipeline explosion on the Ogboinbiri – Obirikom Gas Pipeline, operated by Oando Plc, in the same week.
In a statement by the Abua/Odual Council Chairman, Hon. Owolobi Michael Ofori said the blasts, suspected to be the handiwork of militants, have unleashed persistent gas leakage in the area, raising fears of fire outbreaks and toxic exposure as residents of Odau have largely deserted the community due to the dangerous situation.
According to him, some residents of the area have been hospitalised after inhaling the leaking gas, adding that the impact has spread to neighbouring communities, including Obedum, Emirikpoko, and Anyu in Abua/Odual LGA, as well as Oruma and Ibelebiri in Bayelsa State.
Hon. Ofori expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected residents and urged the operating companies to act swiftly.
The Council expressed its deepest sympathy to all affected persons and communities and remained gravely concerned about the safety, health, and welfare of residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by these incidents.
“We call on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Oando Plc to immediately deploy all necessary technical and emergency response resources to contain the fires, halt the gas leakage, secure the affected pipeline corridors, and mitigate further environmental and public health risks.” the Council Chairman Said.
The chairman also appealed to the two oil firms to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and relief materials to the displaced residents while work continues to restore normalcy.
The Council Chairman said he is working closely with security agencies and emergency responders to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary interventions.
The Council Boss advised Residents of the Local Government Area to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and adhere strictly to safety directives.
Ofori further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Government, and other relevant bodies to intervene urgently to prevent loss of lives and environmental damage.
Hon. Ofori assured that the council remains committed to the protection and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all stakeholders to resolve the crisis.
Enoch Epelle
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through a strategic partnership with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Under the partnership, the bank will support the enrolment of students and young people into the YEIDEP programme, which is designed to tackle youth unemployment, promote enterprise development and expand economic participation among Nigeria’s growing youth population.
The next phase of the initiative is scheduled to end today at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the enrolment exercise for students and youths across the South-East that started since July 1st would be concluded at the university’s Convocation Arena.
The exercise is expected to reach more than 60,000 regular undergraduate students.
Speaking on the partnership, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede, said youth empowerment remains central to the bank’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
He noted that Nigeria’s youths represent the country’s greatest asset and stressed that providing them with the right skills, opportunities and financial support is critical to unlocking their potential and driving national development.
According to Ede, the bank continues to provide young Nigerians with tools for success through its digital banking platforms, financial literacy initiatives, youth-focused products and strategic partnerships.
He added that Fidelity Bank recognises that limited access to funding, mentorship and business development support remains a major challenge for many aspiring entrepreneurs, and is committed to creating pathways that will help them overcome these barriers.
The bank said its support for YEIDEP aligns with its longstanding commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which it described as key drivers of economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Interested students and youths have been encouraged to open Fidelity Bank accounts and register for the programme through the bank’s dedicated online portal.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos Port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in Port efficiency.
The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.
At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the Port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.
He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.
To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.
On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.
He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.
He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing Port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s Port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.
“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
-
News3 days ago
Rivers Court Jails Man Seven Years For Defiling Minor …Directs N5 Million Upkeep For Victim
-
News3 days ago
Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Docks Five For Hiding Sylva’s Whereabouts
-
News3 days agoFG To Replace NYSC Khaki With Adire
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
24 Nigerian Universities Make 2026 THE Rankings … 4 S’South Versitieis Pull Through
-
News3 days ago
BOI Unveils Maiden Impact Report, Disburses N644.9bn In 2025
-
Women3 days ago
NAWOJ Seeks Partnership With Hotel Presidential On Summit
-
News3 days agoFubara Seeks Full Resolution Of Bille Gas Leakage …Pledges Upgrade Of Community Health Centre
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
‘Ogbolo ’26’: Bayelsa Community Revives Heritage, Strengthens Unity