Odiri Erewa-Meggison appointed Chairman of MANEG

By Zion Rufus

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), a prominent subgroup of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) responsible for non-oil export promotion, has named Odiri Erewa-Meggison as its Acting Chairman.

The appointment was made during a recent MANEG EXCO Meeting held at the MAN House on Wednesday, 17th May 2023.

Odiri Erewa-Meggison, who previously served as the Vice-Chairman of MANEG for six months, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As the External Affairs Director at British American Tobacco Nigeria and West Central Africa, she is well-versed in the complexities of international trade and export.

In her capacity as Chairman, Erewa-Meggison will lead MANEG’s efforts to bolster the export capabilities of Nigerian manufacturers, both in domestic and international markets. Her appointment was met with praise from industry stakeholders, including Segun Ajayi Kadir, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to drive export improvement activities and fulfill the organization’s mandate.

Kadir emphasized the importance of addressing export-related issues professionally to enhance competitiveness and foster the production of goods on the continent. He assured all members that the association would provide the necessary support they require to thrive in the global export market.

Erewa-Meggison expressed her honor and excitement at assuming the role of Chairman of MANEG. She firmly believes in Nigeria’s potential to become a major player in the global export market and is committed to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to create a favorable ecosystem for Nigerian manufacturers. Her goal is to empower them to expand their reach and compete effectively on a global scale.

Recognizing the significance of MANEG’s role, Erewa-Meggison outlined her vision for the association.

Speaking further, she stressed the need to manage additional members effectively and bridge the gap to encourage free movement of goods, thus enhancing the country’s export portfolio and diversifying revenue sources away from the oil sector.

With a current membership of over 80 export-focused companies, Erewa-Meggison revealed her intention to multiply this number and position MANEG as the go-to association for export-oriented businesses, a driving force in the promotion of non-oil exports from Nigeria, and foster a strong ecosystem that supports and facilitates export activities in a bid to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and stability.