Make Forex Available To Solve Current Economic Challenges, MAN Tells FG

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has asked the Federal Government to make foreign exchange available to local manufacturers import raw materials and machineries to increase local production of goods and services.

The President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Ahmed Mansur who made the call at the 34th General Meeting and inauguration of 11th Chairman of MAN, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States’ Branch which held in Enugu said as a result of “forex shortage” manufacturing companies are unable to access dollar at official rate to import raw materials, hence they are left with no choice but to patronize the parallel market at a higher rate.

According to Engr. Mansur, the sector is facing numerous challenges and need urgent bailout to enable them recover from the failed economy of the country.

He noted that the quality of products and services made within the three brother states in the South East speak volumes that the region is indeed the heart of the country and described the branch of the association as a strong pillar.

In his welcome address, the outgoing Chairman of the Branch, Pharmacist Anietom Igweobi said that the theme of the general meeting is apt as it highlighted the moral challenges in the society which needs urgent intervention and pointed out that the 34th meeting is important as the branch seeks to transit into a progressive tenure under the leadership of Lady Ada Chukwudozie after a successful two years of the outgoing executive.

The guest speaker and Nollywood Icon, Chief Pete Edochie who spoke on theme of the general meeting, “The Declining Ethical Values and Cultures of the 60’s and 70’s in today’s current time: causes, effects and solutions” and through a representative, Dr. Emma Nwankpa, said that the economy of the country during the said years was stable with a valuable currency as all the regional groups in Nigeria were invested in the production of economic crops, describing the emergence of oil boom as the doom of the economy sector of the nation.

Notable individuals at the event including the former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sir Victor Umeh, Member Representing Ihiala Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Barriester Chudi Momah, the Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly Dr. Pascal Agbodike and the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service Sir Chido Obidiegwu applauded the choice of the branch association in entrusting the affairs of the association on Lady Ada Chukwudozie as she is an upright and established individual with positive influence of upgrading the branch to the next level.

While appreciating her guests, the newly Inaugurated chairperson of the branch, Lady Ada expressed satisfaction with the turn out of members and expressed joy for the call to service.

She rolled out the agenda of the new executive of the association and said the branch in no distant time will facilitate the collaboration of the public and private sectors in ensuring that the desired goal of the association is achieved.

The 34th General Meeting of MAN featured exhibition of different products manufactured within the country such as drugs, engine oil, cables, instant noodles, beverages, clothes among numerous others.

The exhibition provided guests the opportunity patronize and have a taste of some of the new products from members of the association that are available in the market so as to differentiate them from other fake products.

Daily News Reporters