The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has challenged manufacturers to embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and smart manufacturing technologies to boost productivity and remain competitive amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
- Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has urged manufacturers to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital transformation to improve productivity and competitiveness.
- Mahmoud made the call at the 13th Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja/Nasarawa/Niger Branch in Abuja.
- She also encouraged manufacturers to consider capital restructuring to strengthen their businesses and withstand economic challenges.
- Mahmoud said the FCT Administration remains committed to creating an enabling business environment through investments in critical infrastructure and ease-of-doing-business reforms.
- Mahmoud reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s support for industrialisation and enterprise development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mahmoud made the call on Thursday, while speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja/Nasarawa/Niger Branch in Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development Secretariat, Helen Zamani, also urged manufacturers to consider capital restructuring as part of efforts to strengthen their businesses and improve their capacity to withstand economic pressures.
She described the manufacturing sector as a major driver of economic growth, job creation and national development.
Mahmoud said the FCT Administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for manufacturers and other businesses through investments in critical infrastructure and policies aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
She said the FCT Administration, has continued to invest in roads, transportation, water supply, security and urban renewal to attract private-sector investments and support economic activities.
The minister also called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to promote investment, technology transfer, innovation, skills development and local content.
She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s support for initiatives aimed at advancing industrialisation, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mahmoud commended MAN for its advocacy for policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s productive sector, expressing hope that the deliberations at the meeting would produce practical solutions to the challenges confronting manufacturers.
Earlier, the Chairman of MAN’s Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger Branch, Kayode Alonge, urged governments at all levels to intensify support for manufacturers by addressing infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, multiple taxation, insecurity and limited access to affordable financing.
Alonge said manufacturers across the three jurisdictions had remained resilient despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges, sustaining production, creating jobs and contributing to the Nigerian economy.
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He appealed to the FCT Administration and the governments of Nasarawa and Niger states to increase investments in industrial infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity and security.
The MAN chairman also called on the Federal Government to institutionalise the Nigeria First Policy to promote local manufacturing and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian industries.
Alonge specifically commended Wike for the infrastructure development recorded across the FCT but urged the administration to urgently intervene in the Idu Industrial District over poor roads and unstable electricity supply.
He said the challenges were negatively affecting manufacturing activities and the ability of businesses in the industrial district to operate efficiently.
Alonge reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to promoting innovation, renewable energy adoption, local sourcing, strategic partnerships and sustainable industrial growth.
He expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between government and the private sector would help unlock the potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
