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Insecurity Threatening Productive Sector, Manufacturers Alert
Nigerian manufacturers have lamented the state of insecurity in the country, warning it was raising their operating costs and lowering production output in several industrial zones.
According to them, the continuous increase in general prices of goods in Nigeria and its multiplier effects on the standard of living of the citizens is threatening national growth and recovery post COVID-19.
Industry players, who spoke to newsmen, argued that the current double-digit inflation rate will frustrate efforts at economic recovery, erode purchasing power and increase poverty rate.
Apart from insecurity and conflicts in food producing areas that led to reduction in the production and supply of food, the disruption of supply chain activities due to the pandemic, Ukraine-Russia war, instability in the exchange rate and management, among others, have also compounded the inflationary pressure.
Therefore, even if domestic food production increases and supply and distribution constraints are eased, a combination of exchange-rate management problems, shortage of hard currency, expansionary monetary policy and funding of fiscal deficit will continue to generate inflationary pressures.
They also argued that the slow recovery rate coupled with high unemployment rate would continue to erode the investor confidence in the capacity of the authorities to sustain adequate macroeconomic activity that will support post-pandemic recovery.
For their part, some economists have warned that the state of insecurity has reached a frightening crescendo, as the trajectory portends adverse implications for economic growth prospects and investment outcomes.
Industry operators believe that Nigeria’s worsening security situation, the escalating energy cost, exchange rate depreciation, liquidity crisis in the foreign exchange market and the spike in inflationary pressures form major headwinds undermining economic growth.
The Chief Executive Officers of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) member-companies in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2022 (Q1’22) reported declined confidence in the economy as revealed in the latest Manufacturers CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) survey report, some of the pessimism stem from the rising level of insecurity in the country.
The MCCI analysis based on industrial zones showed that out of the 13 industrial zones in Nigeria, five struggled in the first quarter of 2022.
The performance of the afore-mentioned zones was clearly depicted by the index scores of 48.3, 44.8 and 46.0 points, respectively, in the period under review which fell below the 50 neutral points threshold Index score.
MAN stated that the low performance recorded in some zones is attributable to the disruption of manufacturing activities by high-level insecurity, rising operating costs and harsh manufacturing environment.
“In specific terms, peculiar contributory factors for Rivers State include the prevailing low interest in the productive sector evidenced by the shrinking industrial landscape, low support for the manufacturing sector and the excessive concentration on trade and services,” the producers added.
“The general decline in the index point and the dimmed outlook for the second quarter evidenced by expectations of lower production, employment and unfriendly business conditions, is a cause for concern. This obviously calls for the crafting of a National Response and Sustainability Strategic Plan to avert the looming economic crisis and shortages that would arise from the impact of the Russia invasion of Ukraine,” MAN stated in the report.
Chairman, National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Lagos, Gertrude Akhimien, decried Nigeria’s security situation, saying it has forced many SMEs out of business.
“Insecurity is a major reason for the shutdown of many SMEs. Many SMEs that are in production need raw materials, which they have not been able to access due to the security situation, especially in the Northern part of the country.
“Small business owners are afraid to risk their lives due to the senseless killings and kidnappings. So, the little raw materials that come in are expensive and at the end of the day there is no profit. As I talk to you now, five bakeries just shut down.
“The bakery section just raised alarm of the continuous rise in price of raw materials as such many have closed shop waiting till price stabilises. If price keeps increasing consumers cannot buy they rather make alternatives”.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.