ENUGU, NIGERIA – December 5, 2025
The strategic urgency of backward integration as the backbone of sustainable industrialization took center stage as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Southeast Region — covering the Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi Branches — held its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Awards, and Gala Night.
The well-attended event, which took place at the International Conference Center, Enugu, convened leading manufacturers, policymakers, industrialists, financiers, and thought leaders under the theme:
“Exploring Opportunities for Backward Integration and Local Sourcing of Raw Materials for the Manufacturing Sector.”
Chaired by the celebrated industrialist and Chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Dr. Obinna Tochukwu Iyiegbu (Okpata Ozuora I), the AGM doubled as a strategic review session — evaluating the performance and challenges of 2025 while outlining a forward-looking agenda for industrial renewal in the region.
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Navigating Policy Shifts and Tax Reforms
In her opening remarks, Lady (Dr.) Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of MAN Southeast, described the AGM as a watershed moment in the Association’s advocacy efforts. She highlighted MAN’s proactive engagement with stakeholders on the sweeping fiscal reforms that shaped the year.
“This event reflects the spirit of MAN: visionary in purpose, collaborative in action, and unwavering in our pursuit of industrial growth,” Dr. Chukwudozie remarked.
She explained that MAN Southeast partnered with PwC to deliver high-level sensitization sessions on national tax reforms — enabling manufacturers to understand compliance expectations, mitigate unintended exposures, and align their operations with evolving regulatory demands.
She further emphasized MAN’s continued engagement with policymakers to push for tax principles that protect productivity and phase out harmful practices such as multiple taxation.
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Energy Transition and Agricultural Innovation
Dr. Chukwudozie commended manufacturers who are embracing sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions such as CNG, LNG, solar, and hybrid systems, noting that these transitions are essential for long-term competitiveness.
She underscored modern agriculture as a critical lever for backward integration and industrial resilience:
“Hydroponics, greenhouse farming, aquaponics, and agro-processing represent strategic pathways to job creation, rural industrialization, and raw material development. Empowering young people with finance, mechanization, technology, and improved security will unlock new value chains and strengthen our manufacturing base.”
She also appreciated the distinguished institutions and partners whose sustained contributions to innovation, policy advocacy, and community development earned them Awards of Excellence.
“These awards not only celebrate distinction — they strengthen partnerships and reaffirm MAN’s role as a catalyst for national industrial transformation.”
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Government Reaffirms Support for Industry and R&D
Representing the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the productive sector.
He emphasized the central role of research and development (R&D) in achieving meaningful backward integration:
“Silicon Valley is Silicon Valley because of Stanford. Strengthening our tertiary institutions and linking them directly with the manufacturing ecosystem is essential for driving R&D and innovation.”
The Deputy Governor also called for a review of current financing models, stressing that commercial interest rates of 30%–37% are not viable for industrial growth.
“Even though single-digit loans exist through institutions like the Bank of Industry, their accessibility is limited. Establishing regional offices for development banks will help manufacturers access suitable financing without undue bottlenecks.”
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Expert Insights: Backward Integration as an Industrial Imperative
Delivering the keynote, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), reinforced the urgency of import substitution as a national economic priority.
“Backward integration is no longer optional; it is the core operational strategy for every successful manufacturer. Securing our raw material base is the only way to stabilize prices, strengthen the Naira, and position Nigeria competitively under AfCFTA. We cannot build a first-world manufacturing sector on a third-world import dependence model.”
He urged manufacturers to intensify local sourcing in order to insulate their operations from global volatility.
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Royal Counsel and Calls for Industrial Revival
The Royal Father of the Day, His Eminence Eze Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze-Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, commended the resilience of Southeast industrialists and urged MAN to champion the revival of over 1,000 dormant industries across the region.
“This AGM must chart a path for reviving dormant industries, creating new ones, and shifting from import dependency to local production. Everything we import is a job exported.”
Special Guest of Honour, Senator Osita Izunaso, applauded MAN’s leadership and highlighted sectoral challenges — forex volatility, rising import costs, and supply chain disruptions.
He urged MAN Southeast to collaborate with state governments on conducting seismic studies of the Anambra trough to unlock the region’s gas potential, which is critical for reliable industrial energy supply.
The Senator further disclosed that the National Assembly has passed a groundbreaking bill mandating 30% local raw material utilization, now awaiting Presidential assent.
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Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
The event attracted eminent personalities including:
• HE Barr. Dr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Deputy Governor of Enugu State
• HE Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, represented by Hon. Christian Udechukwu
• His Eminence Eze Eberechukwu Oji, Eze-Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom
• His Majesty King Uche Irenuma II, Obi and Paramount Ruler of Abavo Kingdom, Delta State
• Chief Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu (Okpata Ozuora I) – Chairman of the Occasion
• Distinguished Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso, OFR, NPOM
• Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR – President, MAN
• Dr. (Sir) Daniel Chukwudozie, OON – Executive Chairman, Dozzy Group
• HRH Igwe Ignatius Okpara – Igwe of Agbada Inyi
• Engr. Giandomenico Massari – National Vice President, MAN (Eastern Region)
• Mr. Segun Ajayi Kadiri – Director General, MAN
• Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo, Prof. Martin Ike-Muonso, and many more.
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Celebrating Excellence
Awards of Excellence were presented to outstanding industrialists, institutions, and corporate citizens for their exceptional contributions to industrial development, innovation, and community impact.
Award recipients included:
• High Chief (Dr.) Chris Ndubisi
• High Chief Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu, OFR
• HRM Amb. Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu – Eze Ndigbo 1 of Ghana
• Mr. John Ezeobi – Chairman/CEO, John Zobis Group
• Dr. Gideon Chidiebere Osi – GMD, Gosima Group
• High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo
• Mr. Linus Williams Ifejika – Chairman, Blord Group
• Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, OON
• Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, OFR
• HRM Igwe Chris Oranu Chidume, MON
• Nigeria Breweries, Emosbest Industries Ltd, among others.
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Closing With Renewed Purpose
The 37th AGM concluded with a vibrant gala night and a strengthened collective resolve to advance industrialization, drive job creation, and position the Southeast as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The consensus from the AGM was clear:
Backward integration is no longer merely an option — it is the definitive pathway to regional resilience, national competitiveness, and long-term sustainable growth.
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