MAN, RMRDC seek tech solutions to drive local manufacturing

In line with the federal government's "Nigeria First" policy, the 2025 Nigeria production and Equipment (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo will highlight the use of indigenous technologies to promote local production.

"Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing with Cutting-edge Technology Solutions" is the topic of the expo, which is being co-organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

Speaking ahead of the forthcoming expo scheduled for August 5 to 7, 2025 in Lagos, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, said the expo will act as a key platform for adopting home-grown technology to boost local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

“This time 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,” Meshioye stated.

Also speaking, Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the expo will help manufacturers and equipment users co-create technologies suitable for local production needs.

“True resilience lies in homegrown innovation. If you are going to build resilience, you must be indigenous to the solutions you have,” he said.

According to him, while some foreign technologies may not be immediately replaceable, collaboration between stakeholders can lead to the creation of adapted versions for Nigeria’s context.

“Even if the technologies we require are not available, we’ll be able to co-create the one that will best suit the kind of product you want to use,” he added.

In his remarks, Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Martin Muonso, called for better use of Nigeria’s abundant raw materials.

The collaboration with MAN and other stakeholders, according to Muonso, who was represented by Dr. Edith Obi, Overseeing Director, State Industrial Extension Services, RMRDC, encourages the utilization of raw materials and national self-sufficiency.

He disclosed that final approval is still pending for the highly anticipated value-addition bill, which requires that no raw material depart Nigeria without undergoing at least 30% processing.

“We must utilise and add value to our abundant local raw materials before exporting. This expo is about harnessing and showcasing those potentials. We are building a future where Nigerian-made products are celebrated globally,” he said.