The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has emphasized the need for new ideas, smart technology, and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing and create opportunities for youths
He made the remark at the on going 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo and the 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo in Lagos with the theme “” Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing Through Cutting Edge Equipment and Technology Solutions ‘:
Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has been facing significant challenges, with the country’s manufacturing contribution to GDP remaining below 10%. In Q1 2025.
The high dependence on imported raw materials has also been a major concern, with raw material imports surging upward.
The expo brought together policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, technology providers, financiers, innovators, and investors to debate, design, and drive Nigeria’s industrial future. as the expo aims to provide solutions to these challenges by reducing Foreign Raw Material Imports by at least 60% in the next five years
Incentivizing Value Addition, through technology adoption and tax support , supporting industrial hubs as well as deepening Research-Industry Collaboration For tailored innovation.
Tthe Minister of Innovation, Science and technology Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji said the world is moving fast and countries that invest in advanced technologies are developing fast hence the need to build strong partnerships that accelerate development.
“”Innovation and technology are the keys to progress and prosperity for nigeria is more than an ambition it is a call to action to use new ideas smart technology and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing and create real opportunities for our people especially the youth we must ensure every policy investment and innovation creates real opportunities for young and give them hope for the future this school supports many of the president’s top priorities like economic growth innovation infrastructure education and good governance let us use this time to work together and turn plans into action the world is moving fast countries that invest in advanced technologies are growing quickly and creating good jobs we must do the same that is why our ministry is supporting research promoting local technology”
The Director-General/CEO of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, urged participants to engage meaningfully in the expo, ensuring that the forum produces not only insightful discussions but also investable partnerships, implementable policy outcomes, and inclusive industrial ventures.
“”This year’s theme, “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions,” is more than a reflection of global trends. It is a clarion call for Nigeria to decisively reposition itself within the dynamics of the fourth industrial revolution. As you very well know, Nigeria’s manufacturing contribution to GDP remains below 10%, registering 9.62% in Q1 2025, and dropping from 9.8% it achieved in the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria reports that raw material imports surged by 119% to ₦4.53 trillion (≈ US $11 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 alone. At the same time, over 70% of manufacturing inputs used in our economy are imported, according to figures released earlier this year. These data points expose a structural weakness: we export our raw materials in their crude form, import in refined quality, and surrender jobs and value offshore before we have even begun. But our country possesses over 120 commercially viable solid minerals, vast agricultural resources, and a demographic dividend in our young population. …
“” It means therefore, that what we lack is not potential, but strategic coordination, bold implementation, and technology-backed commitment. That is precisely what this Expo intends to trigger….
The President Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN Otumba Francis Meshioye said the focus is to spark conversations around the deployment of energy efficiency in production processes, implementation of smart factory protocols, including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence to optimize resource use, adopt waste reduction strategies through closed-loop systems,and recycling methods.
Founder and CEO of SecureID, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, decried the high level of importation of raw materials and machines used in production, citing the costs of bringing in foreign experts to service equipment
The federal government has taken several initiatives to promote industrial growth and development, including the granting RMRDC authority to implement tax-incentive guidelines for manufacturers and innovators using locally sourced inputs.
The NIRAM-NME Expo is a strategic platform for driving Nigeria’s industrial future, and it is expected to produce tangible outcomes that will accelerate the country’s economic growth and development. By working together, stakeholders can identify solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and promote sustainable industrial growth and development.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike
