Expo To Champion Homegrown Tech, Local Manufacturing

The upcoming Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment (NME) and the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo is set to underscore the critical importance of fostering homegrown technology and promoting locally manufactured products.

Scheduled to take place in Lagos from August 5 to 7, 2025, the expo is organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). This year’s theme, ‘Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions’, aims to inspire stakeholders to engage in innovative technology strategies that enhance manufacturing processes and elevate the quality of Nigerian-made goods.

At a pre-event press conference held yesterday in Lagos, president of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye emphasised that adopting cutting-edge technologies will steer the industry toward innovation, resilience, and long-term value for all stakeholders.

He expressed the aspiration to ignite discussions surrounding energy efficiency in production facilities, the implementation of smart factory technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), strategies for waste reduction through closed-loop systems and advanced recycling methods, and forming partnerships with green technology innovators to develop sustainable solutions.

Meshioye noted that this initiative comes at a crucial time when there is a growing demand from consumers and regulations for companies to evaluate their environmental impacts as part of their commitment to sustainability.

He further highlighted the expectation for federal government policies that prioritise ‘Nigeria First’, saying, this expo will serve as a vital platform to advocate for homegrown technologies and support the enhancement of locally manufactured goods, thereby promoting sustainable development and reducing dependency on foreign products.

Representing the director-general of RMRDC, Prof. Martin Muonso, the overseeing director of States Industrial Extension Services, Dr. Edith Obi, emphasised that the forthcoming legislation on raw materials export would ensure that no raw materials leave the country without at least 30 per cent value added.

Obi stated that, “the expo aims to tap into the vast potential of raw materials available within Nigeria and optimise their utilisation. We are committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including the organised private sector, farmers’ groups, fabricators, and resource-based industries, as each plays a crucial role in the raw material value chain.”

She added that, “our objective is to bring these stakeholders together under a unified initiative to promote the use of raw materials. This collaboration will foster self-sufficiency in Nigeria and instill pride in utilising locally made products.”

CEO of Secure ID, Kofo Akinkugbe, highlighted the importance of investing in robust research and development as a cornerstone for achieving these goals, saying “the deeper we explore research, the better we can enhance local raw materials and minimise import reliance, which many manufacturers currently identify as a challenge.”