By Uchenna Ezeadigwe,
Awka
The Chairman of Yennco World Trade Fair Ltd. and organiser of the Côte d’Ivoire International Trade Fair, Dr. Onyeka Nwafor, has congratulated the newly elected President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Ifeanyi Eric Okoye, describing his emergence as a major boost to Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sector.
Nwafor conveyed the congratulatory message during the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, the 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture and the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE 2026), held from October 5 to 7, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The three-day event attracted manufacturers, policymakers, investors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy.
It was held under the theme: “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub.”
Speaking to journalists at the event, Nwafor expressed confidence in Okoye’s capacity to provide purposeful leadership for MAN and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing landscape.
He particularly commended Okoye, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Juhel Nigeria Limited, popularly known as Juhel Pharmaceuticals, for his contributions to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
Nwafor said Okoye’s wealth of experience as an industrialist and manufacturer placed him in a strong position to lead MAN at a critical period when the sector requires strategic policies, stronger institutional support and deeper collaboration between the government and private sector.
According to him, the manufacturing sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development, given its capacity to create jobs, attract investment, promote local production, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the African market.
He urged the new MAN leadership to sustain constructive engagement with the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders in tackling challenges confronting manufacturers, including infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, limited access to finance, multiple taxation, regulatory bottlenecks and the need for a more predictable business environment.
The Yennco chairman also expressed optimism that the new MAN leadership would strengthen the association’s advocacy for policies capable of making Nigerian industries more competitive both locally and internationally.
Nwafor, meanwhile, commended the outgoing MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, for his leadership and contributions during his tenure, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
The event also featured the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition (MiNE 2026), which showcased locally manufactured products, technologies and innovations, creating opportunities for manufacturers to connect with investors, consumers, policymakers and prospective business partners.
The 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture, which formed part of the public session of the AGM, provided a platform for high-level discussions on policies and strategies needed to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
Nwafor described the gathering as an important opportunity for manufacturers and other stakeholders to collectively examine practical ways of unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s industrial sector.
He called for stronger partnerships among manufacturers, government institutions, investors and development organisations, stressing that sustainable industrial growth could only be achieved through coordinated efforts and policies that support domestic production.
Nwafor further expressed his readiness to see greater collaboration between MAN and organisations working to promote trade, investment and industrial development in Nigeria and across the African continent.
