The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on Thursday commended the Federal Government for not signing the Economic Partnership Agreement.
A statement by the association’s President, Mr Kola Jamodu, urged the government to further convince other ECOWAS member countries of the potential dangers of the EPA.
“No country can develop without protecting its industries and Nigeria stands the risk of having its market flooded with European goods with the resultant negative effect on our industries.
“MAN is delighted that Nigeria’s position has been vindicated by the support it received on the rejection of the EPA from the Extra-Ordinary Session of the African Union Ministers of Trade,” it said.
The statement also pointed out the need for employment generation through manufacturing which is a critical aspect of the government’s transformation agenda.
It commended the Federal Government for formulating policies to protect the manufacturing industries in Nigeria.
NAN recalls that the EPA was rejected in Ivory Coast during the Heads of Government meeting in March with 10 objections from Nigeria.
The rejection has since then received commendations from the private sector and other stakeholders.
