Ruth Owojaiye to chart new course for Nigeria’s export-led manufacturing growth

…Succeeds Odiri Erewa-Meggison as MANEG chair

Ruth Owojaiye, Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT Nigeria, will lead the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), strategic efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s export competitiveness and promote export-led industrial growth.

This follows her appointment by MANEG as the new chair of the sectoral group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, with the responsibility of promoting export.

MANEG in a statement announcing her appointment stated that Owojaiye who succeeds Odiri Erewa-Meggison, assumes leadership of the group at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

This is so as the government and industry intensify efforts to boost and diversify non-oil exports, deepen industrialisation and maximise opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to MANEG, Owojaiye brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning corporate affairs, communications, regulatory affairs, sustainability, stakeholder engagement and public policy advocacy.

“Her extensive experience navigating Nigeria’s evolving regulatory landscape and building strategic partnerships positions her well to lead MANEG’s next phase of growth and advocacy.”

As chair, Owojaiye will lead MANEG’s engagement with government, policymakers, regulators, development partners and industry stakeholders to advance reforms that improve trade facilitation, strengthen Nigeria’s export competitiveness, enhance market access for locally manufactured products and create a more enabling environment for export-oriented manufacturing.

“I am honoured to build on the strong foundation laid by Odiri Erewa-Meggison, whose leadership has strengthened MANEG’s voice in shaping Nigeria’s export agenda,” Owojaiye stated, while commending her predecessor her visionary leadership and significant contributions to advancing MANEG’s mission.

She added that Nigeria has the talent, industrial capacity and entrepreneurial drive to become one of Africa’s leading export manufacturing hubs.

“Achieving this requires stronger collaboration between government and industry, consistent policies and practical reforms that make exporting easier and more competitive.

“Together, we will champion initiatives that unlock greater opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers to compete and succeed across Africa and global markets,” Owojaiye stated.

According to her, Nigeria can diversify her economy, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, create quality jobs and accelerate inclusive growth, by creating an enabling environment for manufacturers to innovate, produce competitively and access regional and international markets.