Highlighting a recent incident involving Erisco Foods, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the adverse effects of social media defamation on Nigerian manufacturers, calling for a balanced approach that protects both consumer and industry interests.

This call was made on Tuesday, in a statement issued by the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

Ajayi-Kadir urged regulators and the buying public to create an environment that encourages objectivity and justice while preserving the consumer's interests as well as the manufacturer's business and integrity.

He also emphasized the importance of taking deliberate steps to protect manufacturers from the negative effects of social media campaigns and defamation, as well as ensuring fairness for all stakeholders, adding that "manufacturers should be protected from the adverse effects of unverified negative claims about locally manufactured products."

He stated that there was a need for measures that would recognize the challenges faced by Nigerian manufacturers while at the same encouraging the patronage and empathy of consumers.