Africa Business Communities

[CEO Interview] Harriman Isa Oyofo, CEO, Mann Safety, Nigeria

Harriman Isa Oyofo is Chairman/CEO of Health , Safety and Loss Control company, Mann Safety, Nigeria. His interview with Africa Business Communities:

Would you please introduce Mann Safety?

Well, let me start by expressing our thanks to you for this interview which represents a rare opportunity for us to interact at this level and also to spotlight the nature of Mann Associates business, especially its commitment to helping businesses stay afloat in the face of today’s enormous survival challenges.

We’re a Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) & Loss Control service provider across industry and commerce. We’re a 100% Nigerian outfit comprised of very experienced engineers and technologists. One of our key competence areas is technical auditing as Accredited Technical Auditors, and we currently operate out of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

In which industries does Mann Safety operate?

We work across all sectors of industry and commerce, especially the Oil & Gas Sector. Whichever sector of the economy the client belongs is no object to us, because preventable workplace losses occur in all sectors of business and commerce.

Who are your clients?

They’re in diverse sectors such as oil and gas, construction, marine transportation, engineering/construction, motor fleet operators, training institutions, certification and inspection outfits, financial institutions, insurance companies, the hospitality industry, etc. We see our clients as prized partners in the business to whom we’re utterly committed when it comes to rendering cutting edge, client focused and affordable service delivery.

How does Mann Safety remain competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?

By providing efficient, sustainable and affordable services to our clients, for whom we exist, and making the best of available technology. We believe in continuous improvement as a sure footed vehicle to stay ahead of the game.

We see ourselves as an innovative and highly skilled technical outfit with an eye for adaptive value-adding changes to grow the business’ competitive edge.

What can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in Nigeria?

Simple. Play by the rules. Government should at the same time simplify business rules to create a friendlier business environment as well as avoiding sudden and frequent policy reversals or somersaults to breathe confidence into the business environment. They also need to urgently address the prevailing energy, security and safety regulatory issues to free-up lots of pent up business energy and initiatives currently dormant and/or incubating or simply wasting away. But I guess the incoming president must know that himself already at this point in time.

What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of Mann Safety for 2015?

We have structured rolling and flexible plans for the year. This is to enable us respond to the vagaries of the business climate especially in the face of changes that will take place very shortly at the Federal Government level. For instance, as you are no doubt aware, the national budget has just been passed after lots of here and there between the immediate stakeholders, and we’re almost at the end of 2nd Quarter. That doesn’t help planning a great deal as all businesses eventually have to take a cue from that lead. Notwithstanding, our target is to continue to be a standout performer and a preferred service provider of choice to our cherished business partners and clients.

What expectations do you have for Nigeria´s economy in 2015?

One cannot ignore the entrance of a new democratic presence and it´s inevitable effect on Nigeria´s economy. We hope it will mean a return to a transparent way of doing business by sticking to the provisions of the relevant business laws. Not necessarily doing new things but doing them differently and eventually killing off corrupt practices anywhere found. I believe the president-elect has a rare and unique, once-in-a lifetime opportunity to positively redirect everyone towards the much yearned-for CHANGE and national rebirth economically, politically and otherwise.

Which African economies will perform best in 2015?

I’ll say Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa hopefully! Primarily though my hope is that we in Nigeria pay a greater and more visible attention to the enforcement of health and safety laws, rules and regulations across all businesses. For 2015, economic growth, gainful employment and enhanced wellbeing of the citizens is truly our goal.

Thank you once again for this rare opportunity.

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www.mannsafety.com

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Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's in Africa. Are you a CEO in Africa and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba at andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com

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