Photo caption: MAN logo
By Charles Okonji
In an attempt to devising strategies to navigate through daunting economic challenges confronting the Nigerian industrial sector, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is set to showcase Cutting-edge technology solutions for industrial growth at the forthcoming 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).
The NME & NIRAM Expo which is scheduled to hold August 5th to 7th, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Balmoral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, is themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions.”
According to the President of MAN, Otunba Franchise Meshioye, the theme is expected to drive the attention of stakeholders to engage on innovative technology solutions that will improve the process of manufacturing and in turn improve quality of products manufactured locally in Nigeria.
“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are heading towards a drive for innovation, resilience, and long-term value for our stakeholders.’ He averred.
He noted that the focus of the expo is to spark conversations around deployment of energy-efficiency in production facilities; implementation of smart factory technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to optimize resource use; waste reduction strategies through closed-loop systems and advanced recycling methods; and engender partnerships with green tech innovators to co-develop scalable, sustainable solutions.
In his own words; “Of course, the peculiarity of this exhibition is equipment. Our goal is therefore to showcase locally fabricated machines and equipment. 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.”
Meshioye that as a nation, we have continued to evolve in the manufacturing process, saying, a far departure from where we used to be.
“Our evolution has come from continuous learning and patronage,” with the expo and the stakeholders, we want to engender conversations around Nigeria First in terms of showing dignitaries, delegates and participants locally made equipment, raw materials within their reach and innovative inventions that can transform our processes and then attract more patronage.
“To put it simply and succinctly, the entire value chain of the manufacturing sector will be present at this year’s edition of the expo and reflect the Nigeria First Policy of the Federal Government.
“The NME & NIRAM Expo will serve as a solutions hub for exhibitors and conference delegates alike. The Expo seeks to 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.
“This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing home-grown technology to scale-up locally manufactured goods, support sustainable development, and discourage over-dependence on foreign products. We must also remain committed to utilizing locally sourced raw materials and leveraging essential support services, such as locally sourced funding and logistics, to drive our manufacturing endeavors and propel us into the much awaited prosperous and sustainable future.
“Consistent with our tradition, the NME will hold concurrently with Nigerian Raw Materials (Expo) powered by the Raw Materials Research & Development Council (RMRDC) featuring manufacturing equipment, raw materials, panel sessions and latest research findings delivered by carefully selected experts.
“Another significant feature is the Women in Manufacturing session, affording accomplished women in the field the opportunity to share their experiences with aspiring female manufacturers who may be considering entry into the sector.
The MAN empasied that the expo is not just another edition, but a strategic advantage in a competitive global market.
“As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity to drive meaningful changes in manufacturing grows stronger. The time to act is now—for our businesses, our communities, our continent and our planet.” Meshioye noted.
In his speech, Director-General of the RMRDC, Martin Ike Muonso, who was represented by Dr Edith Obi, Overseeing Director, States Industrial Extension Services , the vision is to drive innovation in raw materials development and socialization to support business growth and contribute meaningful to economic prosperity.
He noted that this initiative has to the 30% value-addition bill, which has gone through post-renewal, and is awaiting the present answer to this bill.
He stated that when the bill is passed into the law, no raw materials will be exported
out of the country without at least 30% value-addition being added to it.
He emphasized that the nation’s local raw material should be utilized here in this country without taking them raw out of Africa and Nigeria.
Commenting on the expo, he said, it’s all about enhancing raw materials potentials that we have in abundance in the country, saying, to promote this, we have gotten in touch with a lot of other stakeholders to ensure the success of this event.
“We have gotten across to stakeholders like the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria, farmers group, the fabricators, as well as resource-based industries, since they are all involved in raw materials value chain.
We want them in a single umbrella.
“All of us are coming together to talk about how we can improve the quality of our raw materials. We want to be proud of our products and that is the essence of this expo. The fabricators are coming together, the users, the manufacturers, and the SMEs will be here.
“All of us will be here to enjoy and patronize our locally made products.”
