By David Akinmola
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised alarm over the operational bottlenecks that have kept imported raw materials stuck at the ports for weeks, a situation they say is costing billions in losses and lost production time.
Speaking during the 58th Annual General Meeting of MAN’s Ikeja Branch on Thursday, Director General Segun Ajayi-Kadir described the delays as a major disruption to manufacturing operations nationwide.
“We are facing enormous challenges because of this glitch. Some raw materials have been stuck at the ports for weeks, and by the time this is resolved, they may no longer be fit for use,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
He noted that MAN had engaged the Nigeria Customs Service on the matter and was assured that the issue would be resolved soon.
Beyond the technical glitch, Ajayi-Kadir expressed frustration over additional charges weighing on manufacturers, particularly the continued collection of a 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy despite a presidential directive suspending it.
“Importers are still being charged the levy because customs claim they have not received official notification to stop. This is not only ill-timed but also manufacturing-unfriendly,” he stated.
According to MAN’s calculations, import costs have surged by about 186% in recent weeks, an increase Ajayi-Kadir described as “unreasonable and unsustainable.”
“At the end of the day, these costs will be passed on to consumers. We are not philanthropists; we are in business to make money. Increasing production costs will only fuel inflation,” he warned.
He also lamented the Federal Government’s failure to release the N1 trillion intervention fund promised over two years ago to support manufacturers under its stabilisation plan, though MAN is currently working with the Bank of Industry to ensure the funds eventually reach genuine operators.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that government must act quickly to resolve port delays and eliminate arbitrary charges to prevent a deeper crisis in the manufacturing sector.
