By PETER MOSES

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is set for its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) with ‘Nigeria first’ policy in focus of the discussion at the event expected to attract thousands of manufacturers, policy makers and exhibitors.

Addressing newsmen on the forthcoming AGM in Lagos between October 14 and 16, the President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, announced Aliko Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group as the Guest Speaker.

The theme of the AGM is “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.”

Meshioye said the “Nigeria First” Policy “is more than a policy directive, it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer driven economy to a productive economy.”

According to him, the policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization and national pride. “By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation,” he said.

MAN President also hinted that the Guest of Honour on this occasion is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Organized Private Sector and other stakeholders attended the grand finale of the AGM.

He added that “By putting Nigeria first, we are not just supporting our economy, we are safeguarding jobs, empowering communities and building a nation we can all be proud of.” (Daily Trust)