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Manufacturers foresee improved infrastructure under Buhari

By BusinessNews Staff on July 4, 2015

Manufacturers have expressed hope that the government of Muhammadu Buhari will usher in positive change in the area of infrastructure, especially power.

They expressed this hope during this year’s luncheon organised by the Ikeja branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

While addressing members of the association during the luncheon, the Chairman of MAN, Ikeja Branch, Prince Oba Okojie, said the occasion was an informal atmosphere to interact and address some issues that were relevant to the development of the country in general and the economy in particular.

He said, “This yearly institutionalised gathering of issues of the moment enables us to contribute meaningfully to critical matters of policy and also enhance our advocacy thrust.

“Kindly recall that in 2014 business luncheon, we titled our topic, ‘Multiple taxation; A disincentive to industrialists.’ At that forum, we expressed worry over the late release of budget and the deteriorating state of our infrastructure.

“In addition, we canvassed national security, as this has enormous negative effects on potential foreign investment. More importantly, we also prescribed good governance, adherence to the dictates of the constitution and focus on the economy.”

Speaking on the outcome of the 2015 general election, Okojie said, “It is worth mentioning that the political transition that we just experienced is one of the most successful change of guards the nation has experienced in a long time.

It was adjudged by the nations of the world as free and fair. Most importantly, the power of the electorate was conspicuously acknowledged by all. We join others in congratulating the current administration and wish that Nigerians exercise enough patience to allow them to fulfill their electoral promises.

The message that ‘the ballot is more lethal than the gun’ should be awakening to all our politicians, as Nigerians are wiser and more discerning now than in years past.

Speaking about infrastructural improvement under the current administration, Okojie remarked that though the task of fixing Nigeria might be daunting, there was hope.

He said, “With the pronouncement that the refineries will be working by July this year, the subtle but conscious awareness of the need to be disciplined, judicious, accountable and prudent with government and public utilities, I tell you, it can only get better.

“I look forward to this new administration’s 100days in office, where we can X-ray its achievements.

“A critical look at this year’s business luncheon’s theme, ‘Nigeria, the Sensible Road to Economic Prosperity’ aptly mirrors the reality on the ground,” he added.

[Punch]

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