MAN urges investments in blue economy, AI to boost industrialisation

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has called for investments in blue economy, automation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in order to enhance efficiency.

MAN made the recommendations in a communique issued at the end the 41st Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition of the Rivers/Bayelsa States branch with the theme: Trade, Technology and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta, between November 13 and 14 in Yenagoa.

The communique made available to South-South PUNCH on Monday was signed by Vincent Okuku, Michael Nosa Agana, Chibuzor Eze, Chairman, Vice Chairman/Chairman, AGM Planning Committee and Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States branch respectively.

The communique reads partly, “Manufacturers should adopt automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency.”

It specifically urged Bayelsa and Rivers states to “fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth.”

In order to drive growth and development of manufacturing in the branch, MAN also recommended public-private dialogue, cross border partnerships to enhance trade, and institutionalisation of quarterly interaction between manufacturers and MDAs.

It called for investments in coastal industries, policy support by government, government investment in human capital development and utilisation of public-private partnership to fund major projects.

MAN stressed the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between industries and key stakeholders, adding that leadership and development partners should champion strategic planning, and adoption of environmental, social and governance standards, as well as establishment of export-ready manufacturing clusters. It said there should be, “cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states and countries should be fostered to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.

“Quarterly interactive meetings between manufacturers and MDAs should be institutionalised to address operational challenges and influence policy direction.

“Investments in coastal industries, including seafood processing, shipbuilding and repair, and other maritime-related sectors, should be prioritised.”

MAN noted that there are significant human capital gaps in the Niger Delta region and that the blue economy “represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation”, pointing out that “MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively.”

The communique also stated the need for infrastructure upgrades, including improved power supply in the Niger Delta region as the future is in diversification and not dependence on extractive industries.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, “had highlighted the state’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.”

MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said the Niger Delta with abundant resources and strategic location, has vast potential for industrial expansion and called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.

The 2025 AGM held in Bayelsa State for the first time following “a successful 2024 AGM in Rivers State.”

Source: https://punchng.com/man-urges-investments-in-blue-economy-ai-to-boost-industrialisation