The 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo with the 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo is in progress in Lagos, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing Through Cutting Edge Equipment and Technology Solutions.”
The expo attracted policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, technology providers, financiers, innovators, and investors to who are debating on Nigeria’s industrial future.
The Expo seeks primarily to proffer solutions to challenges facing the manufacturing sector by reducing importation of foreign raw material by at least 60% in the next five years.
On the occasion, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, emphasized the need for new ideas, smart technology, and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing and create opportunities for youths.
Nnaji noted that the world is moving fast and countries that invest in advanced technologies are developing fast.
He called for strong partnerships of all stakeholders to accelerate the country’s development.
“Innovation and technology are the keys to progress and prosperity for Nigeria. It is more than an ambition.
A call to action
“It is a call to action to use new ideas, smart technology and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing and create real opportunities for our people,” the Minister said.
“We must ensure every policy investment and innovation creates real opportunities for young and give them hope for the future.
The Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, urged participants to ensure that the forum produces not only insightful discussions but also investable partnerships, implementable policy outcomes, and inclusive industrial ventures.
“”This year’s theme, “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions,” is more than a reflection of global trends.
“It is a clarion call for Nigeria to decisively reposition itself within the dynamics of the fourth industrial revolution.
“As you very well know, Nigeria’s manufacturing contribution to GDP remains below 10%, registering 9.62% in Q1 2025, and dropping from 9.8% it achieved in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria reports that raw material imports surged by 119% to ₦4.53 trillion (≈ US $11 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 alone.
“It means therefore, that what we lack is not potential, but strategic coordination, bold implementation, and technology-backed commitment.
“That is precisely what this Expo intends to trigger,” he concluded.
The President Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, Otumba Francis Meshioye, said the focus is to spark conversations around the deployment of energy efficiency in production processes, implementation of smart factory protocols, including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence to optimize resource use, adopt waste reduction strategies through closed-loop systems,and recycling methods.
