The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other stakeholders are set to explore innovation, technology and sustainability strategies aimed at accelerating the entire Africa manufacturing industry.
Otunba Francis Meshioye, President, MAN, said this at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to announce the forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).
The forthcoming eighth NME and ninth NIRAM is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Meshioye noted that the event was in line with the plans to drive the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
He stated that with the ever evolving landscape of disruptive technologies and trends shaping the future, manufacturers must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency.
He said the event scheduled for Nov. 21 to 23, 2023 in Lagos would explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices to contribute to Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem growth.
“The event theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria” highlights the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing.
“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.
“This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing technology to produce our own goods, support sustainable development, and ensure we are not reliant on developed nations.
“We must also remain committed to utilising locally sourced raw materials and leveraging essential support services, including financing and logistics, to drive our manufacturing endeavours and propel us into a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.
The Director-General, RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Ibrahim, expressed the council’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development.
Ibrahim, represented by Mr John Obekpa, Director, Business Innovation Center, RMRDC, noted that the RMRDC had worked assiduously over the years with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials.
He added that it had developed technologies that could produce caustic soda, soap noodles, calcium carbonate, lovastatin, chemicals among others which were hitherto with limited local inputs and heavily imported.
“These innovations and their products would be on display at the expo alongside other local raw materials and products with the hope that a detailed exposê of the nation’s raw materials and their potential to grow the manufacturing sector will be made,” he said.
