MAHMOUD URGES MAN TO EMBRACE SMART TECHNOLOGY, CAPITAL RESTRUCTURING FOR GROWTH
By: Austine Elemue
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on manufacturers to embrace capital restructuring, digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence and other smart manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, reduce costs and remain competitive despite prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja/Nasarawa/Niger Branch, in Abuja, Mahmoud described manufacturing as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and national prosperity.
The Minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development, Hon. Helen Zamani, however, reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for manufacturing and industrial development through sustained investment in critical infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
The Minister noted that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has continued to invest in roads, transportation, water supply, security, and urban renewal to enhance the ease of doing business and attract private-sector investment.
Mahmoud also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to promote investment, technology transfer, innovation, skills development, and local content.
He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s support for initiatives that advance enterprise, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She commended the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for its steadfast advocacy for policies that strengthen Nigeria’s productive sector and expressed confidence that the meeting’s deliberations would produce practical solutions to advance sustainable industrial development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger Branch, Mr. Kayode Alonge, has called on governments at all levels to intensify support for the manufacturing sector by addressing critical infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, multiple taxation, insecurity and limited access to affordable financing.
Alonge noted that despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges, manufacturers across the three jurisdictions have remained resilient, sustaining production, creating jobs and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
He appealed to the FCT Administration and the governments of Nasarawa and Niger States to strengthen investments in industrial infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity and security.
He urged the federal government to institutionalise the Nigeria First Policy to promote local manufacturing and industrial competitiveness.
The Branch Chairman specifically commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for the administration’s massive infrastructure development across the Territory, while appealing for urgent intervention in the Idu Industrial District to address poor road infrastructure and unstable power supply affecting manufacturing activities.
Alonge reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to promoting innovation, renewable energy adoption, local sourcing, strategic partnerships and sustainable industrial growth, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
