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| Frank Udemba Jacobs |
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has opposed moves by Morocco to be admitted into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
MAN, at its 45th annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos yesterday, warned the Federal Government against supporting Morocco.
It noted that the admission of the North African country will be disastrous for Nigeria.
Speaking through its President, Frank Udemba Jacobs, MAN noted that admitting Morocco into ECOWAS would be equivalent to signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Jacobs said: “We urge the Federal Government to oppose the move as it would spell doom for the productive sector of the economy.
“We are aware Morocco and the European Union (EU) have a trade agreement, which means if it becomes part of ECOWAS, products that come into Morocco from EU will end up in Nigeria. After all, Nigeria is the biggest market in ECOWAS.
“So, we oppose Morocco being admitted into ECOWAS. It will affect us. We are telling our government not to allow it become part of ECOWAS…
“Come to think of it: why should it be part of ECOWAS? Morocco is too far. ECOWAS is Economic States of West African States, but Morocco is not part of West Africa. It shouldn’t be part of ECOWAS.”
While lauding the Federal Government for introducing policies to stimulate the economy, MAN outlined three key challenges to be addressed for the productive sector to boom.
He listed them as inadequate and unstable power; unavailability of foreign exchange for importation; and high interest rates.
Jacobs said with double-digit interest rates, the economy will continue to decline. “We recommend, as the association has done in the past and always, a single-digit interest rate.”
The Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) also called on the Nigeria to resist attempts by member countries of ECOWAS to admit Morocco into the regional body.
Founding Chairman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignatius C. Olisemeka warned that Morocco’s motive was political, aimed at whittling down Nigeria’s role in the admission of Western Sahara into the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The association however wondered why the Federal Government has not engaged in a campaign against Morocco’s move.
