MAN DG Segun Ajayi-Kadir warns labour unions that prolonged strikes against Dangote could harm Nigeria’s investment climate.
The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has cautioned labour unions against shutting down the economy over their dispute with the Dangote Group.
Speaking on a national television programme on Tuesday, Ajayi-Kadir warned that nationwide strikes could threaten Nigeria’s fragile investment climate and undermine the rule of law.
He said disputes with employers should be resolved through legal and constructive dialogue, not disruptive industrial actions.
“There are processes of law, but you cannot shut down the country just because you have a disagreement,” he stated. “Everyone is watching, and if potential investors see what is being done to Dangote, they may hesitate to bring in the large-scale investments Nigeria urgently needs.”
Ajayi-Kadir stressed the importance of respecting court injunctions, emphasizing that the rule of law should guide labour relations.
According to him, Nigeria cannot afford actions that “disincentivize private sector investment,” especially as the country works to attract foreign capital and revive its economy.
He urged labour unions to return to the negotiation table, saying:
“You cannot compel organizations to do your will through disruption. What is happening with Dangote is a disruption that should be condemned.”
Analysts say MAN’s intervention underscores private sector fears that prolonged industrial disputes could scare away investors and deepen the country’s economic woes.
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