In a renewed push to advance Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is collaborating with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to promote cutting-edge technology solutions for industrial growth.
Speaking ahead of the forthcoming 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo and the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo, MAN President Mr. Francis Meshioye underscored the importance of innovation in boosting local production and reducing reliance on imports.
The twin expos, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions”, will be held in Lagos.
Meshioye explained that the event will serve as a hub for discussions and exhibitions around energy-efficient production systems, deployment of smart factory technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced recycling systems, and green-tech partnerships.
“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are driving innovation, resilience, and long-term value for stakeholders,” he said.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the expo, he stated that a major focus would be showcasing locally fabricated machinery and equipment, encouraging both local and foreign collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing capabilities.
He also emphasized the alignment of the expo with the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy, aiming to increase visibility and patronage of indigenous innovations and raw materials.
“We want dignitaries and participants to see what is possible here in Nigeria,” Meshioye said.
“The entire value chain of the manufacturing sector will be represented.”
The event will also feature a Women in Manufacturing session, providing a platform for accomplished women in the sector to share their stories and mentor aspiring female industrialists.
On her part, Dr. Edith Obi, representing RMRDC Director General Mr. Martin Muonso, reiterated the Council’s commitment to promoting innovation in raw materials development.
She revealed that the much-anticipated 30% value-addition bill, which mandates that no raw material leaves Nigeria without undergoing at least 30% processing, is awaiting final approval.
“We must utilize and add value to our abundant local raw materials before exporting. This expo is about harnessing and showcasing those potentials,” she said.
Both MAN and RMRDC believe the Expo will serve as a pivotal platform to drive sustainable industrial growth, strengthen backward integration, and reduce Nigeria’s overdependence on foreign technologies and inputs.
