The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has praised the Unidos initiative for its contribution to repositioning Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, particularly in areas of market expansion, export optimisation and capacity support for manufacturers.

The commendation was conveyed at the unveiling of the Unidos dashboard, a platform designed to provide data analytics, trade insights and market access support to Nigerian manufacturers.

The event took place in Lagos, with public and private sector stakeholders in attendance.

The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Frank Jacobs, said Unidos is a strategic development for the sector.

He described the initiative as a platform that can help manufacturers access new markets, streamline export procedures and leverage data for competitive advantage.

Jacobs said Unidos will support the association’s goals of enhancing industrial growth and deepening Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.

He emphasised the importance of digital tools in providing real-time market information and reducing barriers for manufacturers seeking export opportunities.

According to the report, the Unidos dashboard includes features such as data visualisation for trade flows, export destination mapping and insights on market trends, which are expected to help manufacturers make informed business decisions.

The platform also integrates support tools for regulatory compliance and export documentation.

Speakers at the event noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the private and public sectors to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base, reduce imports, and increase non-oil export revenues.

Some manufacturers expressed optimism that Unidos could help local firms identify new demand markets and enhance export performance.

The report said the launch brought together representatives from manufacturing firms, trade associations, government agencies and development partners.

Discussions at the event included strategies to address challenges in manufacturing competitiveness, logistics and access to export value chains.

Speakers called for continuous engagement between stakeholders to ensure the Unidos platform operates effectively and delivers practical benefits for manufacturers.

They said collaboration between the private sector and government institutions is vital in achieving sustainable industrial growth