By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on manufacturers to embrace capital restructuring, digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence and other smart manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, reduce costs and remain competitive despite prevailing economic challenges.

Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja/Nasarawa/Niger Branch, in Abuja, Mahmoud described manufacturing as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and national prosperity.

The Minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development Secretaria, Helen Zamani, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to creating an enabling environment for manufacturing and industrial development through sustained investment in critical infrastructure and business-friendly policies.

The Minister noted that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has continued to invest in roads, transportation, water supply, security and urban renewal to enhance the ease of doing business and attract private sector investment.

Mahmoud also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to promote investment, technology transfer, innovation, skills development, and local content.

He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s support for initiatives that advance enterprise, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She commended the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for its steadfast advocacy for policies that strengthen Nigeria’s productive sector and expressed confidence that the meeting’s deliberations would produce practical solutions to advance sustainable industrial development.

The Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger Branch, Kayode Alonge, has called on governments at all levels to intensify support for the manufacturing sector by addressing critical infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, multiple taxation, insecurity and limited access to affordable financing.

Alonge noted that despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges, manufacturers across the three jurisdictions have remained resilient, sustaining production, creating jobs and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy.

He appealed to the FCT Administration and the governments of Nasarawa and Niger States to strengthen investments in industrial infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity and security.

He urged the federal government to institutionalise the Nigeria First Policy to promote local manufacturing and industrial competitiveness.

The Branch Chairman specifically commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for the administration’s massive infrastructure development across the Territory, while appealing for urgent intervention in the Idu Industrial District to address poor road infrastructure and unstable power supply affecting manufacturing activities.

Alonge reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to promoting innovation, renewable energy adoption, local sourcing, strategic partnerships and sustainable industrial growth, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Tinubu Administration recognises Nigeria’s advertising and creative industries as key drivers of economic growth, job creation and innovation, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that will help the sector thrive.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, made the statement on Thursday at the Advertising Industry Colloquium (AIC) 4.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognises the strategic importance of Nigeria’s creative and advertising ecosystem to national development. Our administration is implementing bold reforms to build a competitive digital economy capable of creating jobs, attracting investments and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s innovation hub,” Idris said.

He noted that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, supported by over 170 million active telecommunications subscriptions and ongoing broadband infrastructure projects, has created new opportunities for advertisers, content creators and digital entrepreneurs.

The Minister described advertising as an industry that goes beyond promoting products, saying it shapes culture, drives economic activity, supports businesses and strengthens national development.

He stressed the need for a balance between innovation and regulation, noting that digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence must be supported by responsible governance.

“Effective regulation is not an obstacle to growth; it is the foundation for sustainable development. A transparent and forward-looking regulatory framework builds investor confidence, protects consumers and promotes fair competition,” he said.

Idris also urged industry stakeholders to embrace innovation while protecting creativity, ethics, and intellectual property, adding that the government would continue to work with ARCON and other stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for responsible advertising, creative excellence, and digital innovation.

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commended the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for its fair, transparent and structured implementation of the industry’s recapitalisation exercise.

The Chairman of NIA, Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, gave the commendation in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

She said that the minimum capital requirements’ review was carried out under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

Nwachukwu noted that the clear regulatory guidelines, systematic verification, defined timelines, and rigorous supervisory oversight provided operators with a credible framework to navigate the recapitalisation exercise successfully.

“The exercise underscores NAICOM’s commitment to regulatory fairness and orderly market development.

“This marks a pivotal milestone in bolstering the financial capacity, stability, and global competitiveness of the Nigerian insurance sector,” she said.

Nwachukwu assured the Apex regulator of the association’s unwavering support in leveraging the gains of the recapitalisation process.

She said this was to drive sustainable industry growth, enforce high market conduct and standards, elevate consumer trust and expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The NIA chairman extended warm congratulations to the 43 insurance and reinsurance companies that had successfully met the prescribed Minimum Capital Requirements.

She commended their resilience, professional discipline, and proactive alignment with evolving regulatory standards.

“The successful outcome of this recapitalisation exercise is a major win not just for regulators and operators, but for policyholders, investors, and the wider Nigerian economy.

“A well-capitalised insurance sector is better equipped to honour obligations promptly, underwrite complex and large-scale risks and serve as a reliable pillar of national economic growth,” she said.

Nwachukwu expressed the association’s solidarity with the eight insurance companies currently undergoing final verification and regulatory review.

She encouraged them to remain confident as NAICOM concluded the exercise within the stipulated 14-day window.

Reaffirming the association’s commitment to its entire membership, Nwachukwu emphasised that the NIA would continue to serve as a robust platform for advocacy, collaboration and constructive engagement with regulatory authorities throughout the transition period.

She reassured the insuring public and business community that the Nigerian insurance industry would emerge from this exercise significantly stronger, more resilient, and fully prepared to drive financial stability across the country.