The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for intensified efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the country.

MAN made the call via a statement issued by its Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The call was in response to the rescue of the abducted Managing Director of Fouani Group, Mohamed Fouani and four others by the operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

They were abducted in the Falomo area of Lagos on Friday, June 14.

Ajayi-Kadir noted that MAN was deeply saddened and worried by the abduction of Fouani, a member of the association, saying insecurity posed a significant threat to the business community and the overall economic development of Nigeria.

LG crisis: 2 security operatives killed in Rivers

He, however, commended security agencies for the safe release of Fouani, saying their efforts paid off and yielded results without casualties among the victims.

Ajayi-Kadir stated: The incident has left the entire manufacturing community shocked and concerned about the safety of its chief executives and indeed, its workforce.

“This if not checked, will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardise the efforts of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at repositioning the economy for growth.

“MAN also extends its 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.”

The Star