Juhel CEO Ifeanyi Eric Okoye Emerges 12th President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria

Dr Ifeanyi Eric Okoye, Chief Executive Officer of Juhel Nigeria Limited, has been elected the 12th president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), taking over leadership of the organisation at a time when local industries face significant operating challenges.

Okoye emerged as president at MAN’s 54th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on October 7. He succeeds Otunba Francis Meshioye, who completed his four-year tenure at the helm of the association.

The new MAN president founded Juhel Nigeria Limited, an indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing company headquartered in Enugu, in 1987. The company has expanded its manufacturing operations to include pharmaceutical products such as syrups, capsules and injectable medicines.

Before his election, Okoye held several leadership positions within MAN. He served as chairman of the association’s branches covering Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states before advancing to the position of vice-president.

His appointment comes as Nigerian manufacturers contend with rising energy costs, foreign exchange pressures and inadequate infrastructure, factors that can increase production expenses and constrain industrial expansion.

As president, Okoye is expected to lead MAN’s engagement with the Federal Government and other stakeholders on policies affecting local production, investment and the wider manufacturing sector.

The association represents manufacturers across Nigeria and advocates policies intended to improve the business environment and strengthen domestic industry. Okoye’s tenure will place him at the centre of discussions on the challenges facing producers and measures to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian-made goods.

His leadership begins amid calls for stronger support for local manufacturers through improved infrastructure, more predictable policies and a business environment that encourages investment and sustainable industrial growth.