The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has elected Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, Chief Executive Officer of Juhel Nigeria Limited, as its 12th president, following the conclusion of the association’s 54th Annual General Meeting in Lagos on October 7, 2026.

Okoye succeeds Otunba Francis Meshioye, who completed his four-year tenure as president of the association.

Also read: CAN demands probe of viral video threatening christians

His election marks a new chapter for the manufacturing body as it continues to represent the interests of Nigerian manufacturers and address challenges affecting industrial growth and business operations.

According to a statement by MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Okoye has extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial pharmacy and the association’s leadership, having served in several capacities before becoming president.

Okoye obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

He subsequently earned a master’s degree and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he reportedly graduated as the best student in his class.

His business career is closely associated with Juhel Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing company he established in 1987.

Headquartered in Enugu, the company moved to its permanent site in Emene, Enugu State, in 2001, expanding its production capabilities to include syrups and capsules.

In 2010, it opened a major parenteral manufacturing facility in Awka, Anambra State.

Okoye’s professional credentials include Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and participation in an executive programme at Harvard Business School in Boston, United States.

He also attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.

In recognition of his service, he was conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2012.

His public service experience includes membership of the Ministerial Committee on the Establishment of World-Class Hospitals and Diagnostic Centres from 2013 to 2015.

He also served on the Governing Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria from 2009 to 2022.

Within MAN, Okoye built his leadership experience through years of involvement in the association’s activities.

He served as chairman of its Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states branches from 1998 to 2005 and later became vice-president, a position he held from 2006 to 2010.

His election to the presidency places him at the helm of an organisation representing manufacturers across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

As the association’s new leader, Okoye will be expected to engage with government and other stakeholders on issues affecting the operating environment for manufacturers, including production costs, access to financing, infrastructure, industrial policy and the competitiveness of locally made goods.

His background in pharmaceutical production also brings experience from an industry in which domestic manufacturing capacity is important to reducing dependence on imported products and strengthening local supply chains.

Also read: CAN demands probe of viral video threatening christians

Okoye’s tenure will provide an opportunity to build on the association’s work in advocating policies that support industrial investment, business sustainability and the long-term development of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.