Nigeria’s industrial growth is contingent upon the development of local engineering materials and products. The country’s reliance on foreign technology has hindered its economic progress, emphasizing the need for indigenous innovation. For decades, the country was relying on imports from the West and other nations.
Determined to address this shortcoming, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) established the Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) in Akure, Ondo State to encourage local research and development (R&D), engineering materials production or manufacturing. EMDI is one of the prime institutes of NASENI that play pivotal roles in promoting Nigeria’s industrial growth through its innovative research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies.
Established to drive technological advancement, EMDI has become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s industrial development, supporting key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and construction. The institute addresses this challenge by promoting local engineering materials and products, enhancing Nigeria’s industrial capabilities and competitiveness.
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EMDI as a catalyst for industrial development in Nigeria is focusing on multiple areas which include Research and Development (R&D) under which it is conducting cutting-edge research in engineering materials and products to develop innovative solutions for various industries. This involves exploring new materials, improving existing ones, and developing new manufacturing processes.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NASENI Khalil Suleiman Halilu reaffirmed the Agency’s influence as a crucial partner for growth and development of the country when he launched NASENI’s 3Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.
By aligning with NASENI’s 3Cs agenda, EMDI fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer as Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from local production to gain foreign exchange. EMDI’s mandate, ecosystem, capital goods development, deployment, and strategic partnerships, highlight its contributions to Nigeria’s industrial capabilities and economic growth and with NASENI’s contributions it will have an enhanced capacity to attain its goal.
For instance, EMDI has employed technology transfer to bridge the gap between research and industry by transferring indigenous technologies to local businesses and entrepreneurs. This involves licensing intellectual property rights (IPR), providing technical assistance, and facilitating partnerships. The capacity building component of EMDI policies entail enhancing the skills and knowledge of Nigerian engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs to support industrial growth.
This includes training programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. The institute also has expertise in product development by designing and manufacturing innovative products that meet the needs of the Nigerian market and contribute to industrial diversification. This involves prototyping, testing, and commercialization. EMDI’s ecosystem facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration among industry stakeholders, local and international companies operating in various sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, and construction.
In the academia, EMDI has boosted universities and research institutions with expertise in engineering, materials science, and related fields in much the same way it has engaged government agencies through relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) involved in industrial development, technology transfer, and innovation.
The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have received incentives from EMDI to add value to local businesses that can benefit from EMDI’s research, technology, and support. Within the key components of EMDI’s ecosystem, there are well-developed Research and Development Centres with state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced equipment and instrumentation for materials testing, characterization, and product development.
EMDI is also imbued with Technology Incubation Centres, which provide support and resources for start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize innovative products, while its training and capacity building programmes like workshops, seminars, and courses are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Nigerian engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs/artisans.
The industrial Liaison Unit/Strategic Alliance Unit in the Technology Business Department (TBD) of the institute has dedicated teams that facilitate partnerships between EMDI and industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. EMDI has established strategic partnerships with its parent institution, NASENI, and other key government agencies to promote science, technology and innovation (STI) in Nigeria.
For example, EMDI has strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST), the government ministry responsible for overseeing science and technology policies and programmes and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), a federal agency tasked with promoting local content in the oil and gas industry.
Other agencies with strategic partnership with EMDI include Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), an association representing Nigerian manufacturers and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a professional body for engineers in Nigeria. EMDI also collaborates with federal, states and private tertiary institutions to advance research, education, and technology development in the field of engineering materials and by fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, its mandate and ecosystem play a critical role in driving Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.
This NASENI’s division has made substantial strides in the development of capital goods, designing and manufacturing a range of advanced equipment that supports various industries and sectors. These initiatives align with the Institute’s commitment to technological advancement and economic growth. It has also developed Rotary Furnaces which come in various capacities, including the popular 100kg model.
These furnaces are widely used in foundry operations, metallurgy, and materials science research. They provide a controlled environment for melting, heating, and processing metals and other materials. The rotary furnaces enhance research capabilities in universities and polytechnics, enabling students and faculty to conduct experiments and develop new materials. They also support training programmes in these institutions, providing hands-on experience in industrial processes.
Additionally, these furnaces can be used in production settings to manufacture metal components and products. The 8,4&2-Mould Interlocking Brick Making Machines introduced by EMDI are designed to produce interlocking bricks at a rate of 4 or 2 moulds per cycle. The bricks produced by these machines are used in construction, housing, and infrastructure development projects. They offer a durable and efficient building materials.
The 8, 4&2-Mould Interlocking Brick Making Machines increase efficiency in brick production, reducing labour costs and time. They also improve the quality of the bricks, ensuring consistency and durability. EMDI also has the Small Hydro Power Turbines (SHP), where each unit has a capacity of 35KVA. The turbine is used in renewable energy projects, rural electrification, and power generation. It harnesses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity.
The Small Hydro Power Turbines provides a clean and sustainable source of energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. It also contributes to the development of rural areas, by increasing access to electricity in remote areas, improving quality of life and enabling economic activities. The EMDI Twin 35KVA Small Hydro Power Turbines units are currently deployed at Ikeji-Ile, Osun State to provide the host community with access to renewable energy and improve the lives of local residents.
EMDI’s deployment of capital goods align with NASENI 3Cs and they are strategically deployed across Nigeria, focusing on the following areas such as Tertiary Institutions where over 120 rotary furnaces have been installed in universities and polytechnics, supporting research, training, and education in various fields.
The 4 & 2-Mould Interlocking Brick Making Machines are deployed at the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), contributing to the development of the construction industry, thereby improving the nation’s industrial clusters. EMDI’s capital goods deployment aligns with NASENI’s 3Cs agenda, which stands for Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.
On the component of creation, the EMDI has the capacity of developing innovative products and processes and the capital goods is focused on introducing and supporting the development of innovative products and processes within Nigeria’s industrial sector. This involves providing the necessary equipment, machinery, and infrastructure to facilitate research, development, and manufacturing of new and improved goods and services.
On the issue of collaboration, EMDI is partnering with industry stakeholders, academia, and government agencies. EMDI’s success hinges on its ability to foster strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders. This includes collaborating with industry players to identify their specific needs and challenges, working with academic institutions to leverage their research expertise, and engaging with government agencies to secure policy support and funding.
In the area Commercialization, the goal of EMDI’s capital goods deployment is to create commercially viable products and services that can compete in both domestic and international markets. This involves providing the necessary resources and support to help businesses scale up their operations, improve their product quality, and develop effective marketing strategies.
By aligning its capital goods development with the 3Cs, EMDI is driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and creating sustainable economic value. EMDI’s capital goods deployment has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s industrial sector. Some of the key benefits include; enhanced industrial capabilities and by providing access to modern equipment and technologies, EMDI has helped to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian industries.
This has enabled them to produce higher-quality products, improve their efficiency, and reduce their costs. EMDI’s initiatives have made Nigerian industries more competitive in both domestic and international markets. By providing access to innovative technologies and supporting the development of new products, EMDI has helped to position Nigeria as a global player in certain sectors.
The growth of the industrial sector has led to a significant increase in job creation. As businesses expand operations and invest in new technologies, they require additional staff to meet the increased demand. The industrial sector is a major driver of economic growth, and EMDI’s initiatives have contributed to its expansion. By supporting the development of new industries and promoting exports, EMDI has helped to boost Nigeria’s GDP.
EMDI’s capital goods deployment has also helped to improve the research and development capabilities of Nigerian industries. By providing access to modern equipment and facilities, EMDI has enabled businesses to invest in innovation and develop new products. EMDI’s initiatives also have contributed to increasing access to electricity and clean energy in Nigeria. By supporting the development of renewable energy projects and improving the efficiency of power generation, EMDI has helped to address the country’s energy challenges.
EMDI’s future directions for capital goods deployment include scaling up innovative technologies. By so doing, EMDI plans to continue supporting the development and deployment of innovative technologies within the Nigerian industrial sector. This will involve providing technical assistance, and other forms of support to businesses that are developing new products and processes. EMDI’s strategic initiatives and partnerships have continued to demonstrate its commitment to driving Nigeria’s industrial growth, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
