By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — Manufacturers in Lagos State have identified continuous irregular power supply and the seemingly rising insecurity in the country as major challenges facing the industry.

They called on the federal and state governments to urgently intervene in the matter.

However, Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing a secured, peaceful and conducive environment for business growth.

Speaking during a working visit to some manufacturing companies in Ilupeju, Ikeja and Ikorodu areas, Oladejo said government would continue to support business communities through favourable policies, such as streamlining and harmonization of taxes, provision and maintenance of access roads, establishment of free trade zone and agro allied industrial parks.

He explained that the visit was to strengthen the cordial relationship between the government and manufacturing industries as well as identify some challenges confronting them for possible intervention.

He said that government was not unmindful of some of their challenges, explaining that efforts were being made to improve power supply through Independent Power Projects, IPP, which he said, would invariably lead to reduction of cost of production and facilitate employment opportunities for the teeming youths and graduates in the state.

He solicited the support and understanding of the manufacturing industries, as government will continue to do its best to meet its obligations to the people.