The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other key stakeholders, is gearing up to explore innovation, technology, and sustainability strategies aimed at accelerating the entire manufacturing industry in Africa.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Otunba Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, announced the forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM). This eighth NME and ninth NIRAM are being organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Meshioye emphasised that the event aligns with its vision of propelling the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future. He stressed the need for manufacturers to harness disruptive technologies and evolving trends to foster self-sufficiency.
Scheduled to take place from November 21 to 23, 2023, in Lagos, the event will serve as a platform to explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices that can contribute to the growth of Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The event’s theme, “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria,” underscores the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing. Meshioye added, “It is equally essential not to lose sight of the importance of harnessing locally sourced raw materials and availing oneself of critical support services such as financing and logistics.”
The Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, expressed the council’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and product development. He noted that the RMRDC has diligently worked with stakeholders over the years to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials. The council has also developed technologies for producing various products, some of which were previously reliant on limited local inputs and heavy imports.
Ibrahim, represented by Mr. John Obekpa, Director of the Business Innovation Centre at RMRDC, shared that these innovations and their resulting products would be showcased at the expo. This includes locally sourced raw materials and products that have the potential to fuel the growth of the manufacturing sector. The expo aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nation’s raw materials and their role in driving the manufacturing sector’s prosperity and sustainability.
The forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo represent a significant step towards fostering innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance in the African manufacturing industry, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.
