US-Iran Conflict: MAN Outlines Urgent Steps to Shield Nigerian Manufacturers - Newstrends
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US-Iran Conflict: MAN Outlines Urgent Steps to Shield Nigerian Manufacturers

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Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir
Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir

US-Iran Conflict: MAN Outlines Urgent Steps to Shield Nigerian Manufacturers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised alarm over the escalating US-Iran conflict impact on Nigerian manufacturers, warning that the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pose immediate, severe, and multi-layered risks to Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the sector is already feeling the effects of a global energy shock, noting that the industry’s projected 3.1% growth target for 2026 is now under serious threat.

He explained that manufacturers’ dependence on diesel and gas for production has left them highly vulnerable to rising global crude oil prices, which have pushed up domestic energy costs and significantly eroded profit margins.

“Energy cost escalation is biting hard. Many manufacturers are seeing their margins wiped out almost overnight,” Ajayi-Kadir said, highlighting the growing strain on operators.

The energy crisis in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has been compounded by imported inflation, rising freight charges, and prolonged shipping delays. According to MAN, higher logistics and transportation costs are making the importation of critical raw materials increasingly expensive, thereby disrupting production cycles.

Ajayi-Kadir warned that the situation has created a double burden of rising production costs and weakening consumer demand, leaving many manufacturers with unsold inventories and shrinking revenues.

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“The implication is clear – production costs are rising sharply, while consumer purchasing power is weakening. Manufacturers are now battling both high costs and unsold inventories,” he said.

Beyond energy and logistics challenges, MAN noted that exchange rate volatility and limited access to foreign exchange have further complicated operations, making it difficult for manufacturers to source essential inputs.

To mitigate the crisis, MAN outlined several key measures to stabilise Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly.

The association called for the fast-tracking of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which it believes will help industrial clusters reduce reliance on diesel and lower energy costs.

It also recommended the creation of a dedicated foreign exchange window by the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure manufacturers have timely access to forex for importing raw materials and machinery.

In addition, MAN advocated for the domestication of petroleum supply chains, urging local refineries to prioritise supply to domestic manufacturers at competitive rates to cushion the impact of global oil price volatility.

To ease logistics pressures, the group proposed a six-month suspension of multiple taxation, haulage levies, and highway tolls, noting that transport-related costs have surged significantly.

“The current crisis is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s vulnerability to external shocks due to our dependence on imported inputs,” Ajayi-Kadir said, stressing the need for structural reforms.

He added that the situation presents an opportunity for Nigeria to pursue manufacturing self-sufficiency, reduce import dependence, and build a more resilient industrial base.

Industry analysts also warn that sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and steel are particularly exposed due to their reliance on imported inputs and sensitivity to global price fluctuations.

MAN cautioned that failure to implement urgent interventions could lead to factory shutdowns, job losses, reduced industrial output, and a major setback to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

“We cannot control global geopolitics, but we can control our domestic response,” Ajayi-Kadir reiterated, urging policymakers to treat the situation as both a crisis and an opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s manufacturing sector for long-term sustainability.

US-Iran Conflict: MAN Outlines Urgent Steps to Shield Nigerian Manufacturers

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Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2 

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Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2 

 

Abuja is set for a taste of rugged luxury as Jetour Nigeria puts its adventure-ready T2 SUV in the spotlight at the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, giving motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to test its blend of off-road capability, premium comfort and advanced technology.

The three-day showcase at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, will feature test drives, live demonstrations and direct interaction with Jetour product specialists, offering prospective buyers a closer look at the T2 and other models in the automaker’s growing Nigerian line-up.

Positioned as a premium SUV combining off-road capability with comfort and advanced technology, the Jetour T2 is designed for motorists seeking a vehicle capable of handling both city driving and challenging terrain.

Jetour Nigeria is distributing the T2 and other models via its seven accredited dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Tab Autos Limited.

The T 2 SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent four-wheel-drive system.

It also features five driving modes — Eco, Sport, Mud, Rock and X Smart — designed to provide improved adaptability across different road and terrain conditions.

Measuring 4,758mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers 220mm ground clearance and a 70-litre fuel tank, giving it the capability for extended journeys and off-road adventures.

Inside the cabin, the T2 combines rugged styling with modern comfort, featuring ergonomic seating and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and intelligent voice control.

Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Anti-lock Braking System and Emergency Brake Assist.

The SUV also comes with off-road crawl control as well as push-button and remote-start functions.

The Abuja experience follows Jetour Nigeria’s recent showcase in Lagos as the automaker continues to expand its presence and customer reach across the country.

With its combination of performance, technology, safety and luxury, the Jetour T2 is expected to attract motorists seeking an SUV capable of combining everyday urban mobility with adventure and off-road driving.

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NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

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NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

Thousands of Nigerian air passengers faced delays in August as domestic airlines struggled to keep to their scheduled flight times.

Now, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is taking regulatory steps that could lead to sanctions against airlines responsible for persistent delays.

The regulator’s August data showed that 4,765 of 7,961 scheduled domestic flights were delayed. In other words, nearly 60 per cent of the flights did not leave as scheduled.

Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines recorded some of the highest delay rates, with 71 per cent and 76 per cent of their flights respectively affected.

NCAA Warns Airlines

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said that the regulator had already engaged some of the airlines involved.

According to him, the NCAA met with Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air and issued stern warnings over their operations.

The authority is now weighing further regulatory measures as the problem continues to affect passengers.

Achimugu also urged travellers to consider other airlines when repeated delays make a particular carrier unreliable.

When one airline is continuously misbehaving, buy tickets on another airline and make your flight” he said.

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Passenger Rights Put Enforcement Under Spotlight

However, aviation consultant Capt. John Ojikutu believes the recurring problem exposes a wider weakness in the sector.

Ojikutu said Nigeria has regulations intended to protect air travellers, but questioned how consistently those rules are enforced.

The regulation is there to protect the customer. What is the enforcement?” he said.

He noted that passengers can report violations to the appropriate authorities. But, in his view, regulators must follow up on those complaints with meaningful action.

The aviation expert also recalled experiencing severe delays himself.

He said he once travelled to Abuja and passengers had to board an aircraft three times before another plane was brought in to complete the journey.

The disruption, he said, left him returning to Lagos considerably later than expected.

Are Airlines Planning Their Routes Properly?

Ojikutu also linked the industry’s problems to the way some airlines plan their operations.

He questioned the number of carriers competing on the Lagos-Abuja route, particularly when several airlines operate multiple flights each day.

His argument is that airlines should first establish the level of passenger demand before selecting routes, aircraft sizes and flight frequencies.

According to him, deploying aircraft capable of carrying more than 100 passengers without sufficient demand can put additional financial pressure on an airline.

He therefore advised carriers to consider routes with enough passengers but less competition.

Smaller Aircraft Could Serve Regional Routes

Ojikutu said the industry could also learn from the operational model used by the former Nigerian Airways.

He recalled that the airline used larger aircraft on major routes while smaller planes connected regional destinations to major airports.

He suggested that modern carriers could adopt a similar approach by connecting cities such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Jos and Minna to larger aviation hubs.

Rather than having every airline compete directly on major routes, he said carriers could develop regional networks that feed passengers into bigger airports.

He also called for more airlines to establish bases outside Lagos.

According to him, encouraging operations in other parts of the country could reduce the heavy concentration of airlines in Lagos and create stronger regional connections.

Concern Over Airline Survival

Ojikutu further questioned the short lifespan of many Nigerian airlines.

He attributed part of the problem to weak business planning and argued that airlines should present credible, sustainable plans before receiving regulatory approval to operate.

The latest development therefore puts both airlines and the aviation regulator under scrutiny, as passengers continue to deal with delays despite existing rules designed to protect them.

NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

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Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

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Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

Workers’ unions and fuel sellers appeal to the government to protect families from soaring transportation and food costs.

Fuel stations across Nigeria have raised the price of petrol to as high as ₦1,500 per litre, creating fresh financial strain for working people, small business operators, and families. Across cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Damaturu, and Sokoto, drivers and commercial riders now pay higher rates at the pump, while stations in central and southern communities also report steady increases.

Because transportation costs directly influence the price of everyday essentials, bus drivers and tricycle operators have raised passenger fares to cover their fuel bills. As a result, parents and commuters face steeper daily travel expenses and rising grocery bills.

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To address this pressure, the Nigeria Labour Congress urged federal authorities to step in quickly with practical relief measures. These proposals include providing cost-of-living allowances to workers, ensuring local refineries can purchase crude oil directly in local currency, and using surplus oil earnings to keep pump prices affordable.

At the same time, fuel sellers warned that pump prices could rise even further if international oil markets remain volatile. Retail associations noted that recent wholesale adjustments from local refineries have increased costs for station owners, who must pay more to restock their tanks.

To keep fuel affordable for the general public, union leaders and station operators are encouraging the government to reduce shipping and regulatory fees, helping ensure that reliable energy remains accessible to every community across the country.

Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

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