MAN's 53rd AGM: A Platform for Nigeria First Policy Discussions

By Kayode Olopade 

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) will use the platform of its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to deepen conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy. 

The theme for this year's Annual General Meeting “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria” underscores MAN's unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.

President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference today in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said "We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year's Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa's leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote's story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit. 

"He has built one of Africa's largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers and oil refinery.  His investment has redefined Nigeria Industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs and reducing dependence on imports.  His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.

"His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.

Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.

"Day one kicks off with the Opening Ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition which is slated for 12noon. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, who will be officially cutting the ribbon is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON; we believe his presence will serve the purpose of further attracting the attention of Government to what is Made in Nigeria, in order to achieve that top of the mind awareness and credible support from the highest level of government. 

Our distinguished guest of honour will be joined by other dignitaries to draw attention to made in Nigeria products and preach the patriotic gospel of patronage of made in Nigeria at the Exhibition. More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and thousands of visitors are expected during the 3-day period.

"Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.

"On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker.

 The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile Lecture. 

Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector and other stakeholders  will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.

Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership and highlight the urgency of implementing the "Nigeria First" Policy. 

"Over the past year, Nigeria’s economic environment has remained challenging, yet it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth. Of particular importance is the introduction of the “Nigeria First"  Policy, a decisive strategy to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services.

"This 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.

"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," he encouraged.