Manufacturers seek LADOL’s support on human capital development

Frank Jacobs, President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base (LADOL) Free Zone as a haven for investment and job creation.

Jacobs, who was on facility tour of the base with his team recently, commended the efforts of promoters of LADOL to help industrialise the country, adding that their visit will create opportunities for members of MAN as regards to human capital development.

“I am really inspired and delighted with what I have witnessed and I know that cooperating with LADOL will be of great benefit to our members, who are looking to set up manufacturing facility in LADOL Free Zone. I want to assure you that MAN is ready and willing to explore all areas of collaboration with your organisation so that together we would improve the industrial landscape of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the LADOL up-skilling Academy creates opportunity for members of MAN to equip their workers with the practical skills, knowledge and entrepreneurial tools. “I know that MAN and LADOL can work together on work integrated learning initiatives.”

On the key role of manufacturers in driving local content, Vassily Barberpoulos, chairman, MAN Local Content Group, said there should be more interaction and synergy between manufacturers and fabricators across Nigeria. “MAN can be able to assist manufacturers because many manufacturers do not see the opportunities in Local Content. So, we can help them to see the opportunities and mentor them on how to tap into them.”

“The objective of Local Content is to develop our industry and have more people manufacturing products so that there would be competition that will affect exports and be a catalyst for industrialisation.”

Jide Jadesimi, executive director, Business Development of LADOL said “LADOL is committed to infrastructure and human capital development. We are ready to work with key stakeholders like MAN to train trainers from existing vocational institutions throughout Nigeria in the LADOL up-skilling academy. We encourage manufacturers in Nigeria and foreign investors to set up in the LADOL Industrial Free Zone.

This, according to him, will boost the local content initiative and increase exports and also industrialize our economy.

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE