By Merit Ibe
In the ever-evolving landscape where disruptive technologies and trends are set to shape the future, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has highlighted the place of innovation for the growth of manufacturing to foster self-sufficiency.
President of the association, Francis Meshioye, said this at a press conference to announce the 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM), organised by MAN and the 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.
At the event billed to hold from November 21 to 22 in Lagos with theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria,” the president noted that the event will explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that can contribute to the growth of the entire African manufacturing ecosystem.
Meshioye also emphasised the need for operators to remain committed to utilising locally sourced raw materials and leverage essential support services, to drive manufacturing endeavours and propel a prosperous and sustainable future.
The MAN president disclosed that the NME will be co-located with the Manufacturing Partnership for African Development (mPAD) conference, a strategic forum uniting thought leaders in the manufacturing sector, policymakers and government regulatory agencies to address existing challenges and generate innovative ideas for industry growth and development.
Reeling out activities for the event, he said Prof. Pat Utomi, a political economist and management expert, along with other manufacturers have been confirmed as discussants at the event. Also, the RMRDC will offer masterclasses featuring the latest research findings to be delivered by experts.
Another significant event 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.
He further charged manufacturers to take advantage of the immense opportunity presented by this year’s expo and exhibition to explore novel production processes that enhance output, reduce expenses, elevate product quality and diversify into new product lines.
He pointed out that the theme holds particular significance in the current context, highlighting the need for stakeholders to engage in in-depth discussion on the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing.
The Director General of RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, Represented by Mr John Obekpa, Director Business Innovation Center, RMRDC noted that collaboration with MAN is strategic as the roles complement each other. This underscores our partnership in co-hosting these yearly expositions to maximise the benefits to our common stakeholders, who continually aim to reduce the cost of manufacturing amid the rising cost of raw materials and process equipment.
He said the Council has assiduously worked over the years with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials.
“The primary production of several strategic agricultural raw materials like cotton, sorghum, tomatoes, cocoa, sheet trees, oil palms, soya beans, cane sugar, cashew, fruits and sesame have been boosted by providing specific farmers with improved seeds or seedlings as the case might be.
“Also, establishing over forty pilot plants at the recently inaugurated Raw Materials and Development Council’s Technology and Innovation Complex, Obasanjo Space Centre, Airport Road, Abuja, is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development.
“The pilot plants at the complex signpost the Nigerian ‘’I Can Do spirit’’ as it has emerged as a unique manufacturers’ hub. It beckons venture capitalists to replicate the plants across the country for increased manufacturing activities even as their feasibility/viability and the capability of Nigerian Engineers to design and fabricate manufacturing equipment have been astutely demonstrated by the quality of indigenous engineering prowess brought to bear in putting the Technology and Innovation Complex together.
“Also, the centre has developed technologies that can produce caustic soda, soap noodles, calcium carbonate, lovastatin, herbal medicine, calcined kaolin, chemicals, talc, hydrated lime, essential oil, API from Mushrooms, Artemesia and triple concentrate tomato paste, which are secondary raw materials which are hitherto with limited local inputs and heavily imported. The technical feasibility/viability of all these have been ascertained and need scaling up for investment.
The boss said 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.