The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has announced plans to establish six small-scale agro-based industries across the country’s geopolitical zones by 2027, in a landmark move aimed at achieving 100 percent local content and boosting homegrown industrial capacity.
The initiative was unveiled at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Conference of Technologists in Engineering held in Lagos.
NATE National President, Rt. Hon. Technologist Dominic Oduatan, FNATE, FNSET, disclosed that all zonal chapters have been directed to immediately submit proposals detailing the type of agro-based industries they want.
He emphasized that the factories would rely solely on locally fabricated machinery and indigenous raw materials.
“There will be no foreign input,” he stressed, adding that two zones are expected to have fully operational industries before the end of 2027.
Oduatan highlighted that the nationwide agro-industry rollout is designed to add value to agricultural produce, generate revenue for the association, and create employment opportunities for technologists.
He further described the turnout of over 800 delegates at the conference and 41st Annual General Meeting as the largest in NATE’s history outside an election year.
The conference theme, Enhancing Professionalism in Engineering Technology with Compliance, Enforcement, and Remuneration for Sustainable Development, drew strong discussions on eliminating quackery, enforcing standards, improving remuneration, and finally abolishing the lingering BSc/HND dichotomy that limits career progression for technologists beyond Level 14.
One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Joshua Akinwamide of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, warned that unregulated mining poses severe economic and environmental dangers to Nigeria.
He linked destructive mining activities to increased flooding in northern states, soil contamination, open pits, pollution, deforestation, and community displacement, urging stronger enforcement of environmental laws and proper community sensitization.
In her remarks, Technologist Mrs. Ajanaku Latifat Aina of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria praised NATE’s commitment to ICT advancement and continuous capacity building.
The event also featured the return of all executives of NATE’s women’s wing, alongside a recognition dinner where the Nigerian Navy was honoured for professionalism.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, served as Special Guest of Honour and was inducted as a Fellow of NATE.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh
