The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise local content in the ongoing perimeter fencing project at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, by sourcing materials from competent Nigerian manufacturers.
The association’s leadership said the call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy as well as Executive Orders 003 and 005, which mandate the use of locally manufactured goods in public procurement.
MAN stressed that Nigerian producers have the technical expertise and production capacity to supply fencing materials that meet international standards. While acknowledging the capabilities of foreign manufacturers, the association insisted that reliance on imports would contradict government policy, deprive Nigerians of jobs, reduce tax revenues, and place unnecessary strain on foreign exchange reserves.
The association pointed to previous projects where local manufacturers were sidelined in favour of imported materials, citing cases where fencing products were brought in from South Africa despite sustained advocacy from MAN. It described the Lagos Airport fencing project as a chance for government to correct past mistakes and demonstrate its commitment to industrial growth.
“This is not about influencing who wins the contract but about ensuring that procurement aligns with national interest. Supporting local manufacturers strengthens our economy, creates employment, and reinforces Nigeria’s industrial base,” the association stated.
MAN reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the government to ensure the effective implementation of the Nigeria First policy, which it believes is critical to inclusive growth and sustainable industrialisation.
