MAN, Zobis Cable strengthen push for South-East industrial growth

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South-East Zone, has intensified efforts to deepen industrial development in the region following a strategic engagement with Zobis Cable Factory in Anambra State, as stakeholders seek to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and competitiveness.

A delegation of the association, led by the Chairman for Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, Ada Chukwudozie, visited the company’s production facility located in Okoti-Odekpe, where members inspected operations and held discussions with the management team on opportunities to scale production and address challenges confronting manufacturers in the zone.

The visit forms part of broader initiatives by MAN to promote collaboration among industry players and support the growth of manufacturing clusters across the South-East, a region widely regarded as a critical hub for small and medium-scale industrial activities.

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Speaking after the inspection, the Chairman of Zobis Cable Ltd, John Ezeobi, described the engagement as timely, noting that stronger partnerships between manufacturers and institutional stakeholders remain essential to unlocking the region’s industrial potential.

“This engagement provides a valuable opportunity to align with key stakeholders in advancing manufacturing and promoting sustainable industrial development across the South-East,” Ezeobi said.

He added that Zobis Cable remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that will enhance productivity and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

“We remain committed to initiatives that will boost production, create jobs, and improve the competitiveness of local industries,” he stated.

Ezeobi further stressed the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital development, noting that these factors are critical to achieving long-term industrial growth in the region.

Industry stakeholders at the meeting highlighted persistent challenges affecting manufacturers, including high energy costs, limited access to financing, and infrastructural deficits, which continue to constrain production capacity and increase the cost of doing business.

They emphasised that collaborative engagements such as the MAN visit to Zobis Cable Factory could help bridge gaps between policymakers and industry players while also fostering innovation and strengthening supply chains.

Observers noted that the South-East has witnessed renewed attention from investors and institutional actors in recent months, driven by the need to diversify Nigeria’s economy and reduce reliance on imports.

The visit also underscores growing interest in emerging manufacturing hubs within Anambra State and neighbouring areas, where local enterprises are expanding operations despite economic headwinds.

In a related development, academic institutions are increasingly seeking partnerships with industrial players to enhance research and development as well as workforce training.

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University had recently visited the Zobis Cable facility, signalling a growing alignment between academia and industry aimed at promoting innovation and improving technical capacity.

Analysts say such collaborations are critical in building a skilled workforce capable of supporting modern manufacturing processes, particularly in sectors such as electrical components, where quality standards and technical expertise are key.

They also noted that stronger linkages between universities and manufacturing firms could facilitate knowledge transfer, drive product development, and enhance overall industrial efficiency.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have reiterated the need for government support through targeted policies and incentives to boost manufacturing activities in the region.

Key recommendations include improved power supply, tax incentives, access to affordable credit, and the development of industrial parks to support cluster-based manufacturing.

Experts argue that addressing these structural challenges will not only improve production output but also enhance Nigeria’s export potential and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

The South-East, known for its strong entrepreneurial base, is seen as a strategic region capable of driving Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda if adequately supported.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between MAN, private sector players, and government agencies will translate into tangible outcomes, including increased investment, job creation, and improved competitiveness of Nigerian-made products.

They further stressed that strengthening local manufacturing remains a critical pathway to achieving economic diversification, especially in the face of global uncertainties and fluctuating commodity prices.

The renewed engagement between MAN and Zobis Cable Factory reflects a broader shift within the manufacturing sector toward partnership-driven growth, with industry leaders increasingly recognising the need for collective action to address systemic challenges.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are expected to deepen collaboration efforts and push for reforms that will create a more enabling environment for manufacturing to thrive across the South-East and beyond.