By Anthony Nwachukwu
Exhibitions and ways of using innovative technologies and raw materials to promote sustainable and futuristic manufacturing towards self-sufficiency will dominate the forthcoming 8th Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and 9th Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM), the organisers have said.
In line with this, and with manufacturing considered pivotal to economic and social development, the theme of the event tagged, 2023 NME/NIRAM Expo, is “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria.”
Slated for November 21st to 23rd at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, the event is being organised by the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (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.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos ahead the event, MAN President, Mr. Francis Meshioye, said the theme highlights “the need for stakeholders to engage in in-depth discussions on the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing.”
According to him, “the event covering every facet of the manufacturing value chain is gearing up to tackle pivotal issues in line with our theme.
“This year, our focus is squarely on discussions and solutions that will drive the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
“We’ll explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that can contribute to the growth of the entire African manufacturing ecosystem.”
Meshioye explained that in the ever-evolving landscape where disruptive technologies and trends are set to shape the future, “we must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency.
“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,” which will be discussed during the event.
Therefore, this event is “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.”
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, he said.
Though attendance at the three-day event is free, Meshioye said that pre-registration would be required to facilitate effective planning and coordination.
Speaking on research advancements and production of local raw materials, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, described their collaboration with MAN as strategic and complementary.
“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.
“On our part, 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, tomato, 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.”
He disclosed that the agency recently established over 40 pilot plants as proof of their commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development, and the plants beckon on venture capitalists to replicate them across the country for increased manufacturing activities.
