The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has called for intensified efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the country.

The Director-General, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos.

The call was in response to the release of abducted Managing Director, Fouani Group, Mohamed Fouani and four others by their abductors.

Mohamed Fouani, along with four others was abducted on Friday, June 14, 2024 in Falomo area of Lagos.

Mr Ajayi-Kadir stated that the call was pertinent because cases of insecurity posed a significant threat to the business community and the overall economic development of Nigeria.

He commended the security agencies for the safe release of Mr Fouani, saying that their efforts paid off and yielded results without casualties among the victims.

He stated, “The association is, however, concerned about insecurity, as the kidnap of the Fouani managing director left the entire manufacturing community shocked and concerned about the safety of its chief executives and indeed, its workforce. This, if not checked, insecurity will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardise the efforts of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at repositioning the economy for growth.

“MAN also extends its solidarity and hearty felicitation to the family and colleagues of the managing director over the release. The association remains concerned about the safety and wellbeing of its members and will continue to collaborate with authorities to address security challenges facing the operators in the manufacturing sector in particular and the nation in general.’’

MAN is the leading voice of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, representing the collective interests of manufacturers in the country.

The association promotes the growth and development of the manufacturing industry, advocates policies that support industrialisation, and provides a platform for networking and collaboration among its members.

(NAN)