MAN Reports Slight Improvement in Manufacturers’ Outlook, Calls for Urgent Reforms
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has unveiled the results of its third-quarter 2025 Manufacturers CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) and highlights from the 2025 MAN High-Level Think Tank Report, emphasizing the urgent need for ongoing government reforms to sustain the recovery and growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
During the official presentation in Lagos, MAN President Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, observed that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has experienced fluctuating performance over the years, largely due to persistent structural challenges. He emphasized that MAN remains actively engaged with government agencies and international partners to promote industrialization and sustainable development.
Meshioye highlighted key policy tools such as the MAN Blueprint 2.0, the Bi-Annual Economic Review, and the MCCI as essential guides for policy formulation. “Through evidence-based advocacy and strategic alliances, MAN has significantly contributed to the development of pro-manufacturing policies,” he stated. While some of MAN’s policy recommendations have been adopted by successive governments, others are still pending action.
The annual press briefing serves as a strategic platform to urge policymakers to revisit critical recommendations and accelerate interventions that will enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian industries.
The MAN Think Tank, according to Meshioye, aims to deepen stakeholder consultation and technical input into policy advocacy, involving academia, professional bodies, and relevant government ministries.
Additionally, MAN Director General Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir described the MCCI as a quarterly indicator of manufacturing CEOs’ perceptions and expectations regarding the economy. He reported that the index increased modestly from 50.3 in Q2 to 50.7 in Q3 2025, reflecting cautious optimism among manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir attributed this slight confidence boost to easing inflation rates, more stable exchange rates, and recent government policy adjustments. However, he cautioned that all indices remain below the critical 50-point threshold, indicating sectors continue to face vulnerabilities.
Key challenges include high inflation, currency volatility, and elevated interest rates, which hamper production. Although energy supply disruptions caused a slight dip in current output, outlooks for the next quarter remain positive due to policy incentives such as reduced interest rates, the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board levy, and tax reliefs for local raw material sourcing.
The MAN President reaffirmed that the sector is gradually recovering, evidenced by the steady rise in confidence indices. He urged the government to critically review and implement the report recommendations to sustain gains and address persistent obstacles.
“Neglecting manufacturing is akin to growing in numbers but not in wealth. True growth begins when raw potential is transformed into productive capacity,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded.