Manufacturers seek stronger industrial support

By Justus Adetomiwa
The Ondo State Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the state’s dwindling industrial capacity, poor utilisation of natural resources and frustrating regulatory bottlenecks affecting local producers.
The state Chairman of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ondo State chapter, Engineer Emmanuel Adewunmi, made this known at a sensitisation programme for exporters and manufacturers held in Akure at the weekend.
He issued a warning that Ondo risked losing its competitive edge in the Southwest if urgent steps were not taken to revive manufacturing and industrialisation.
Adewunmi, while lamenting on the low attendance of local manufacturers at the event, said the apathy was a reflection of the wider challenges facing the sector.
He said, “Manufacturing is the pivot of development and any state that is not industrialised cannot move forward. Ondo State has enormous raw materials, but we are not tapping into them. We are sitting on wealth.”
He criticised the state’s “over-dependence on politics as the quickest source of money,” noting that serious economic transformation cannot occur without hard work, investment and value addition.
Adewunmi highlighted abandoned opportunities in tourism and solid minerals, citing places such as Idanre Hills which, according to him, could generate massive revenue if properly developed.
“To climb Olumo rock today, people pay as high as ₦5,000. Who is tapping into that here? Idanre Hills alone can make millionaires if properly harnessed,” he said.
He appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to champion a coordinated industrialisation drive, stating that Ondo had lagged behind despite its resource advantage.
He pledged the association’s readiness to work with the government, saying, “Tell the government we need more attention. If we develop the manufacturing sector, Ondo State will not suffer.”
Adewunmi took a swipe at federal regulatory agencies, particularly NAFDAC and some certification bodies, accusing them of delaying approvals and discouraging manufacturers.
Adewunmi cited his experience while trying to get approval for a castor-oil product which he submitted for NAFDAC number six months ago without any response.
He frowned at unfair treatment of Ondo manufacturers by many federal agencies compared to neighbouring states.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Standards Officer of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ondo State, Mrs Inemesit Wilson, reassured manufacturers that the agency remained committed to supporting local production.
She explained that SON is the national enquiry point for product standards and certification, emphasising that every producer in Nigeria must comply with established industrial standards.
She outlined SON’s certification process, noting that products inspected, tested and found compliant receive certification valid for three years before renewal. She also referenced the agency’s export certification scheme, SONCAP, which ensures Nigerian products meet global standards.
Wilson encouraged manufacturers to prioritise product integrity and proper procedure, warning that attractive packaging cannot replace compliance with quality requirements.
“A product may look beautiful on the outside, but only testing proves its integrity,” she said.