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Mrs. Ruth OwojaiyeChairman, MANEG

Guiding Nigerian Export Excellence

Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye serves as the current Chairman of MANEG, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to this pivotal role. Her journey to the chairmanship reflects her dedication to advancing sustainable development in Nigeria and promoting the export capabilities of Nigerian manufacturers.Before her involvement with MANEG, Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye held various significant roles in her career journey, showcasing her exceptional leadership and expertise, including but not limited to the following:● Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director, British American Tobacco ● Head, Regulatory Engagements (West and Central Africa), British American Tobacco ● Area Head of Fiscal, Trade and AIT Engagement (West and Central Africa), British American Tobacco Throughout her career, Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye has demonstrated her ability to lead and navigate complex regulatory landscapes while advocating for positive change.

MANEG EXCO Members 

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Mr. Abayomi AlliVice Chairman I

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Mrs. Nkemdiri AgbotiVice Chairman II

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Mr. Mohammed TahirVice Chairman Other African Countries 

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Mr. Amit BhartiTreasurer

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Mr. Madubuko ChikaChairman ECOWAS Matters

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Mrs. Clementina IyortyomVice-Chairman ECOWAS Matters

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Barr. Clifford OsagieEx-Officio

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Dr. Frederick MordiStrategic Member

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Mr. Rotimi OdusolaStrategic Member

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Mr. Abdullahi HaliluStrategic Member

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Benedict O. Obhiosa, Ph.DExecutive Secretary

Past Achievers of MANEG

MANEG has had four chairpersons, including our current chair, Odiri (Ogboru) Erewa-Meggison, representing diverse manufacturing sectors. Elected by members, MANEG leaders champion the interests of all exporters, aiming to bolster non-oil exports and enhance the nation's economy. Here are our former chairs:

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2023-2026

Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison

The fifth Chairman of MANEG was Mrs. Odiri Erewa-Meggison. She served as the Chairman of MANEG from May 2023 till May 2026. She represented British American Tobacco Marketing Nigeria Limited in MANEG in her capacity as External Affairs (Corporate Relations) Director. She made valuable and immeasurable contributions to the Group within the period she stayed as MANEG Chairman.Additionally, she demonstrated her ability to lead and navigate complex regulatory landscapes while driving sustainable corporate relations and advocating for positive change.

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2022 - 2023

Mrs. Soromidayo George

The fourth Chairman of MANEG was Mrs. Soromidayo George. She emerged as the first female Chairman of MANEG during the 2022 Annual General Meeting. She represented Unilever Nigeria Plc in MANEG in her capacity as the Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business West Africa. She made valuable contributions to the Group within the short period she stayed as MANEG Chairman. She is also the co-founder of the Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance Institute. In 2016, she set up the Heart of Ruth Fund (now the Heart of Ruth Foundation) to help rehabilitate women and children who are abused, or economically disadvantaged.

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2017- 2022

Senator Chief Ede Dafinone

The third Chairman of MANEG was Chief Ede Dafinone. He represented Sapele Integrated Industries Ltd in his capacity as the Managing Director. He was nominated as the interim Chairman of MANEG for a year and six months and elected as full Chairman during the MANEG Annual General Meeting in 2018, and he served for two terms, a role he dutifully served.
In addition to his leadership roles, His dedication reflects a deep commitment to driving the progress of the Group and the manufacturing non-oil export sector in Nigeria.

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2012 - 2017

Late Engr. Babatunde Oyelola

The second Chairman of MANEG was the late Tunde Oyelola, a Fellow of the Society of Chemical Engineers of Nigeria. Engr. Tunde served as Vice Chairman of PZ Cussons Nigeria, the company’s Nigerian subsidiary. During his tenure as MANEG Chairman, Engr. Oyelola’s experience and understanding of international trade were the driving force in expanding the frontiers of the Group and the non-oil export sector in Nigeria. He was passionate about measures that would lessen the burden and therefore help Nigerian exporters grow their businesses.

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2005 - 2012

Late Romeo Baberopoulos

The first Chairman of MANEG was the late Romeo Baberopoulos. A founder of the Nigerian Foundries. Mr. Barberopoulos was well aware of the importance of global trade as a foreign investor. His efforts to expand the reach of the MAN Export Group in the government arena further helped strengthen the recognition of MANEG as a formidable policy advocacy group. Under him, MANEG became the voice of the manufacturing exporters which its still sounding till date.