The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on African nations to move away from the traditional practice of exporting raw materials and instead focus on strengthening industrial capacity through value addition and backward integration. This call was made by the Director-General of the association, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, during a recent visit to the facilities of Coleman Technical Industries Limited in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that for Africa to truly drive economic growth, it must develop the internal capacity to process its vast natural resources. He pointed out that while countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo are blessed with immense mineral wealth, they often lack the industrial infrastructure to maximize the value of these resources. He noted that the strategy being implemented at the Coleman plant serves as a perfect blueprint for building stronger value chains across the continent.
During the tour, the MAN boss described the company as a leader in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, particularly highlighting its strategic investments in telecommunications and power infrastructure. By producing essential wires and cables locally, the firm has played a significant role in expanding connectivity across the country. This expansion, he noted, aligns with broader regional goals to deepen industrial collaboration and integration within West Africa.
Ajayi-Kadir also took a moment to recognize the growing importance of Ogun State as a competitive industrial hub in Africa. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to partnering with local manufacturers to push for policies that prioritize indigenous production and encourage the patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods.
In his response, the Chairman of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Solomon Onafowokan, expressed his appreciation for the visit. He stated that the delegation’s presence provided a valuable opportunity for the association to see the true scale of their operations in Sagamu. Onafowokan noted that such firsthand interactions are vital for understanding the real-world contributions that local industries make toward the nation’s overall industrial advancement.
