By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the recent kidnap of the Managing Director of Fouani Group and member of the association was sad and left the entire manufacturing community shocked and concerned about the safety of its chief executives and indeed, its workforce.
MAN Director-General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the association, on receiving the news of the unfortunate incident, frantically contacted relevant authorities, including security agencies, to express deep concerns and reaffirm confidence in the agencies’ ability to briskly end the nightmare.
“We are glad that the efforts of the security agencies paid off and yielded results without casualties among the victims. MAN commends the security agencies for the safe release of Mr. Fouani,” he said.
Going forward, MAN urges intensified efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the country, stating that it poses a significant threat to the business community and the nation’s overall economic development.
“This, if not checked, will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardise the efforts of the present administration at repositioning the economy for growth,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “MAN also extends solidarity and hearty felicitation to the family and colleagues of the managing director over the release.
“The association remains concerned about the safety and well-being of its members and will continue to collaborate with authorities to address security challenges facing the operators in the manufacturing sector in particular and the nation in general.”
