The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the South East geo-political zone over the weekend commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s courageous interventions in some key sectors of the Nigerian economy within one year in office.

While reviewing the president’s activities in the last one year at a meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, chairman of the association in charge of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, Chief Azubuike Okafor, expressed happiness that the federal government has finally deregulated the petroleum sector, saying that the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, would encourage competition in the sector and make the commodity available to all.
He noted that manufacturers were pleased with President Buhari administration’s steps aimed at tackling the power supply challenges experienced in the country.

According to him, the inconsistent power supply in Nigeria has over time caused the closure of many industries due to high cost of diesel to power the industries. Okafor further observed that the recent loan agreement with the French government, the World Bank and the Chinese government were genuine efforts by the President to upgrade the power sector.
The chairman however expressed regret that a new group of militants known as the Niger Delta Avengers, were disrupting efforts being made to improve and sustain the power sector and increase oil production adding that dialogue and persuasion should be employed to make the militant youths see the need to support government. While acknowledging that the action of the militants amounted to economic sabotage, he said the use of force should be the last option.

•Photo shows President Buhari.