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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) has urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise the development of SME-focused industrial parks and cluster hubs across all geopolitical zones, saying such infrastructure is crucial for driving national industrial growth.
NSChE National President, Mr. Bayo Olarewaju-Alo, made the call on Thursday in Enugu while briefing journalists ahead of the Society’s 55th Annual Conference/Annual General Meeting/Exhibition.
This year’s conference is themed: “The role and contribution of SMEs to national industrial development and growth.”
Olarewaju-Alo said strengthening technology-based SMEs through tax incentives, improved access to finance, and support for local fabrication of machinery and spare parts would significantly boost Nigeria’s production capacity. He also advocated stronger research–industry partnerships to drive innovation.
He stressed the need for government to expand gas utilisation projects, invest in renewable energy systems to lower production costs, and adopt procurement policies that support local manufacturers and service providers.
According to him, SMEs present enormous opportunities but continue to face severe challenges, including high energy costs, poor infrastructure in industrial clusters, limited access to finance for start-ups, inconsistent government policies, and low technology adoption.
“SMEs are the engine room of industrial growth. They provide over 80 per cent of employment and contribute nearly half of the national GDP,” he said. “Yet many of them still lack the enabling environment required to scale up.”
He noted that Nigeria cannot rely on multinational companies alone to build a strong industrial base.
“A competitive industrial economy requires a vibrant network of local producers, fabricators, processors, and service providers who can bridge the gap between raw materials and finished products. This conference is therefore a call to action to strengthen SMEs across the value chain — from agro-processing to petrochemicals, energy, renewable technologies, and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Olarewaju-Alo said the conference would produce practical recommendations for addressing existing obstacles, adding that the theme reflects the Society’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities.
He stated that the NSChE’s vision aligns with the national drive to shift from a consumption-heavy economy to a production-driven one powered by SMEs — a transition he said would create jobs, reduce imports, stabilise foreign exchange, and promote inclusive growth.
“Chemical engineers, working with other professionals, can provide the technological backbone for sustainable manufacturing in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and energy,” he added.
On youth development, the NSChE president said the organisation is committed to mentoring young engineers to establish processing plants, recycling centres, and energy start-ups across the country, turning innovative ideas into scalable businesses.
He appealed for reforms and partnerships that will position SMEs as the true catalysts of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance.
