By Charles Okonji
The 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will be the biggest and largest expo in the West African sub region.
Speaking at the press briefing to announce the expo in Lagos recently, the President of the Manufactures Association of Nigeria ( MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, said the three-day event, which will hold between November 21st and 23rd, has ” Future of the manufacturing : Building a sustainable roadmap to the industrialisation of Nigeria “as its theme.
Meshioye noted that the theme holds particular significant in the current context, highlighting the need for stakeholder to engage in in-depth discussion on the importance of forward thinking environment, industry supportive strategies in manufacturing, pivotal role as a catalyst for economic and social development within the region.
The top manufacturer disclosed that this year’s event will be the biggest exposition in West Africa, adding that raw materials and equipment will.be showcase for manufactures of the region and others.
According to him, ” The NME and NIRAM expo, recognised as the preeminent and all – encompassing event covering every facet of the manufacturing value Chaim, is gearing up to take pivotal issues in line with our theme.
“This year, our focus is squarely on discussion and solutions that will drive the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future. We will explore innovative strategies, cutting edge technologies and sustainable practices that can contribute to the growth of the entire African manufacturing ecosystem.
“In the ever – evolving landscape where disruptive technologies and trends including blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence, green energy and augmented reality, are set to shape the future, we must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency.
“It is equally essential not to lose sight of the importance of harnessing locally sourced raw materials and available ones of critical support services such as financing and logistics. These elements will play a central role in our discussion during the event, taking place from 22st to 23rd of November 2023 at the Convention center, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.”
The MAN boss maintained that his members will partner with African Development conference, a strategic forum uniting thought leaders in the manufacturing sector, policymakers and government’s regulatory agencies to address existing challenges and generate innovative ideas for industry growth and development, adding that renowned political economist and management expert Prof Pat Utomi will leads the session, along with distinguished manufacturers confirmed discussants at the event.
Meshioye said that RMRDC will offer master classes featuring the latest research findings, developed by carefully selected experts.
Responding, the RMRDC Director General who was represented by a Director in the agency Mr John Obekpa noted that his agency was established to serve and grow the country’s manufacturing sector through the provision or suitable and needed raw materials and equipment to the industries.
Obekpa explained that the RMRDC’s Act of 2022 further empowered his agencies to research and provide the needed raw materials, explaining that while the European actually established manufacturing firms in Nigeria, when they were returning back to their countries went away with their raw materials, which has now necessitated the need for his agency to provide locally suitable raw materials for the local manufacturing firms.
He pointed out that RMRDC has discovered many raw materials through research for the local factories, promising that his agency will showcase the newest raw materials in the forthcoming expo
Obekpa emphasised that his Agency is in collaboration with MAN and other local Organised Private Sector (OPS) will make sure Nigeria do not depends on the developed nations for it’s needed raw materials and equipment.
He stated that the latest machineries fabricated by his agency will also be on displayed at the expo.
He went back memory lane to how MAN’s initiative led to the establishment of his agency in 1978, with Prof Aribisala as the pioneer Director General, adding that the Aribisala’s led management went round the country to find out which raw materials, primary and secondary the local manufacturing firms can source locally.
The RMRDC’s chief opined that the pioneer leadership of his agency did survey to find out the raw materials the country can source locally to save the country of scarce foreign reserve, adding that their research led to the establishment of many manufacturing firms in the country then, lamenting that due to so many reasons some of those firms have closed shops.
