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MAN decries inadequate non-oil export

By on December 23, 2013

Manufacturing Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), a lobby group within the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described as scandalous the growing deficit in the nation’s non-oil export, saying the Federal Government needs to step up its game.

The body spoke through its chairman, Mr. Tunde Oyelola.

In a statement tagged: ‘Way Forward on Non-Oil Export’ obtained exclusively by The Nation at the weekend, the group urged the government to take concrete measures aimed at turning the tide in the sector.

While attempting a comparative analysis of the performance of the non-oil export from January – June 2013, it observed that non-oil exports for the period stood at about 1.52 billion US dollars; out of which, commodity exports was about 1.23 billion US dollars (81% of total non-oil exports), while manufacturing exports was 0.285 billion US dollars (19% of total non-oil exports).

Considering the importance of the manufacturing sector to Nigerian economy, especially its contribution towards job creation, MAN Export Group said it was not satisfied with the performance of manufacturing exports in particular and the total non-oil exports.

On the way forward, the group recommended to all stakeholders especially to the Federal Government and its MDAs for better performance of the sector in Nigeria foreign trade in the near future. Government, it stressed, “should support manufacturing exports in her Foreign Aid Policy by giving out made in Nigeria products rather than cash to countries that are getting Aid and Assistance from Nigeria,” adding: “This will benefit manufacturers, professional service providers and broaden the non-oil exports. It will also create awareness for Nigeria products and services in those countries, strengthen the business relationship between the countries and Nigeria, and will help create positive image of the country.”

While decrying the menace of cloning and counterfeiting of manufactured products in the sub region by Asian countries with dire consequences for many Nigerian manufacturers who are losing export markets as a result, the MANEG urged the national as well as regional governments to protect the real owners of trademarks and brand names to ensure that their investments are secured and safe in the region.

The group also urged to ensure effective administration of Export Expansion Grant, “Since that is the only functional incentive exporters relied on to cushion the effects of high cost of production and remained competitive in the export market. We still recommend that rather than embark on frequent review of the EEG scheme, government should work out a mechanism that ensures effective administration of the scheme and time for evaluation and review with all stakeholders.”

 

[The Nation]