From L-R middle Dr Mallinsnon Ukatu chairman & Partners,Mr Charles Okonji Chairman Commerce and lndustry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN)
Chairman, Mallinson & Partners, Dr. Mallinson Afam Ukatu, has called for urgent government action to create a level playing field for Nigerian manufacturers, highlighting challenges in financing, energy, and policy implementation that hinder indigenous industrial growth and competitiveness.
Speaking at the 2025 Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) End-of-Year Programme, held on December 4 at MAN House, Ikeja, Lagos, Ukatu, delivered a compelling call for government action to protect and empower indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria.
Ukatu highlighted the critical role of manufacturing as the engine of sustainable economic recovery, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot fully unlock its industrial potential without competitive financing, stable energy, and a fair market system.
He noted that while institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI) provide funding at moderate interest rates, procedural bottlenecks and delays in disbursement through commercial banks hinder manufacturers’ access to crucial capital.
“Meanwhile, foreign manufacturers, particularly from China and India, enjoy duty exemptions, tax waivers, free trade zone advantages, and accelerated processes that local manufacturers can only dream of,” he stated.
Ukatu warned that these imbalances create an uneven playing field, often allowing imported goods to flood local markets at prices indigenous manufacturers cannot match, while the economic value of such operations largely flows out of Nigeria.
He further raised concerns about foreign dominance in sectors traditionally reserved for Nigerians, such as construction, real estate development, and large-scale engineering contracts, leaving local experts sidelined.
Ukatu called for , enforceable local-content policies prioritizing Nigerian businesses, reduced interest rates and guaranteed disbursement of manufacturing loans and elimination of multiple taxation to encourage investment and expansion.
He added that reliable, affordable energy, including leveraging Nigeria’s gas reserves for industrial production and transparent and equitable free trade zones across states.
Ukatu urged that Nigeria must provide a fair and level playing field where indigenous businesses can innovate, compete, and grow.
“We stand at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the industrial destiny of our nation. Let us choose policies that empower, support, and elevate Nigerian manufacturers,” he said.
