The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to ensure a stable supply of crude oil to local refineries and petrochemical facilities, as part of efforts to strengthen industrial production and reduce import dependence.

The association said consistent crude availability, combined with improved gas infrastructure, would be key to sustaining growth in the country’s petrochemical sector, especially following recent expansion plans linked to the Dangote Refinery partnership with Honeywell UOP.

MAN explained that the collaboration between Dangote Refinery and Honeywell UOP is expected to significantly increase production capacity in key petrochemical outputs, including propylene and Linear Alkyl Benzene, which are widely used in plastics, detergents, and other industrial goods.

According to MAN, the expansion could help Nigeria build a stronger local value chain, reduce reliance on imported raw materials, and improve competitiveness in manufacturing.

The group’s Director-General noted that achieving these benefits would depend heavily on government support in areas such as crude supply stability, gas pipeline expansion, and industrial infrastructure development. He also highlighted the need for incentives that encourage investment and policies that support local production over imports.

MAN further explained that improved local production of petrochemicals would reduce pressure on foreign exchange, lower production costs for manufacturers, and stimulate growth in sectors such as packaging, construction materials, textiles, and consumer goods.

The association added that increased capacity could eventually position Nigeria as a net exporter of petrochemical products, creating new income streams and expanding job opportunities across the value chain.

Industry stakeholders also described the Dangote-Honeywell partnership as a positive step for Nigeria’s industrial development, noting that the country currently spends heavily on importing raw materials like resins used across multiple manufacturing sectors.

They stressed that strengthening domestic production would help stabilize input costs, support small and medium-scale industries, and boost overall economic growth.