From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The National President of Manufacturers Association (MAN) Engr. Mensur Ahmed, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the improvement of Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri ports for sustained economy of the nation.
Engr. Ahmed, made the call while briefing journalists at the association’s 303 National Council Meeting held in Port Harcourt.
According to the MAN president, the aim of the meeting was to deliberate on the current state of the manufacturing sector and the quick intervention needed to sustain the growth of the economy in the country.
He noted that attention to the ports will create more job opportunities in the country.
He said: “The congestion and traffic gridlock still remain a challenge to Manufacturers especially at the Apapa corridor. We call on state and federal government to scale up measures to improve employment in the country, attention to these ports will create more job opportunities for the youth.
“The Rivers branch has called the federal government to make the Port in the state fully operational and give meaning to the helpdesk setup for Manufacturers,” Ahmed said.
He noted some challenges facing the association, stressing that Ogun states and Lagos Manufacturers are still bedevilled with the water abstraction charges which is regarded as counterproductive to the policy on ease of doing business.
“Political instability in plateau state challenges smooth conduct of business and poses a source of insecurity to life and prosperity.”
Ahmed commended the Rivers State Government for ensuring improved security for citizens, business and the recent inauguration of the Rivers State ease of doing business council, this he believe is supportive of increased tempo in manufacturing production. He also commended the Federal Government through Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on its palliative measures through intervention funds to manufactures on the impact of COVID19 on businesses.
Speaking also, Sen. Adawari Pepple, the Chairman of the Association Rivers/Bayelsa Branch, said that Rivers State has zero harassment to business due to the help desk put in place by the authorities to ease business.
People said that the association has about 16 branches that represent the national system, saying that the Manufacturers in Rivers had been extremely supporting in the growth of the economy.
