BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

ILORIN—The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Sunday, called for immediate reversal of the new reforms being implemented at the nation’s ports, saying that it was killing the industrial sector.

The MAN president for Kwara and Kogi states, Princess Omolola Olabayo said  in an interactive session with newsmen after the 2013 Customers Forum organised by Doyin Investments.

Olobayo, who is also the executive director, Doyin group of companies  pointed out that the reforms if allowed would further worsen the present precarious situation in the sector. She added that the reforms were affecting production among other dire consequences which would compel the sector to send many more Nigerians to the labour market if not immediately reversed.

Acoording to the MAN boss,”The reforms at the port are given us problems. Our raw materials are not cleared on time and we pay more money on import duty, and this is badly affecting our production and having dire consequences on us”.

She further pointed out that the reforms were being implemented un- announced, adding that the association has officially lodged its to the federal government but yet to be addressed.

She lamented further saying, “ I don’t think from the govt policies that are being implemented they really understand what manufacturing companies stand for.”

Olobayo urged Nigeria to borrow a leaf from China where manufacturers were granted tax waiver for five years among other incentives to encourage them in the business.

“We can’t remain giant as long as we depend on other countries for our needs, especially on manufactured goods,” she added.

Olobayo however assured the customers of Doyin investments who came from the nooks and crannies of the country that all their complains would be promptly addressed because that was the real essence of the program.

She also urged nigerians to believe in made in nigeria products which she said are of equal quality status with imported products stressing that no nation can develop without encouraging its own industrial sector.

She  added that the hope of the company is to improve on its production in the new year.