The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) are tapping into the country’s first policy to drive the development and adoption of local manufacturing machines and technologies.
Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, director-general of MAN, who made this known at a recent press briefing on the forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo, said that the Nigeria first policy underpins efforts to drive and showcase indigenous technology.
“We are leaning on Nigeria’s first policy for the NME/NIRAM expo to be able to drive indigenous technology and showcase it,” he said. “If we are going to move Nigeria forward, dependency on foreign technologies must be reduced,” he added.
Citing experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kadiri noted that local solutions must be adopted in developing machines and technologies for factories.
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“COVID-19 has taught us that we must be indigenous to the solution that we have. We are translating the same thing to equipment in such a way that we don’t have to rely on foreign technologies,” he said.
Speaking also, Francis Meshioye, MAN’s president, emphasised that the expo’s theme, ‘Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions,’ supports Nigeria’s push for innovative local manufacturing practices.
According to him, by embracing cutting-edge technologies, the country is heading towards a drive for innovation, resilience, and long-term value for stakeholders.
He noted that the expo will provide one-stop shops for equipment manufacturers, raw materials producers, processors, local fabricators, and other stakeholders in the manufacturing sector to showcase their new and emerging technologies, machinery, equipment, and innovations.
Meshioye said manufacturers have expectations in the policy direction of the Federal Government on Nigeria First.
“As an Association, Nigeria First is not a mere policy statement but the fruit of years of advocacy of patronage and support of what is Made in Nigeria,” MAN’s president said.
“Our goal is therefore to showcase locally fabricated machines and equipment,” he said.
“Let’s jointly see what is possible in Nigeria and then lean on the strength of collaborating with foreign counterparts to improve locally manufactured goods,” he added.
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The president of MAN explained that the expo will engender conversations around ‘Nigeria First’ by showcasing locally made equipment, raw materials, and innovative inventions that can transform processes and attract patronage.
He said the expo is scheduled to hold from August 5 to 7, 2025, at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, noting that the NME & NIRAM Expo will serve as a solutions hub for exhibitors and conference delegates alike.
Speaking also, Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, a professor and director-general of RMRDC, said his organisation is committed to driving innovation in raw material development and utilisation to support business growth and contribute to economic growth.
To promote raw material development, Muonso, who was represented by Edet Obi, said RMRDC is pushing for the bill that mandates 30 percent local processing of raw materials to be passed into law.
He said the bill is a game-changer for the industry and the promotion of raw materials. “We want our raw material to be used in Nigeria without taking it out,” he said.
