As concerns mount over the future of manufacturing and rapid de-industrialisation being experienced in the real sector, the umbrella body for manufacturers, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); 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, have jointly organised an exhibition that will address these issues.
   
Speaking at a conference in Lagos to announce the upcoming eighth edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and ninth edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NiRAM), organised by them, MAN’s president, Francis Meshioye, said, this year’s theme, “Future Manufacturing: Building a sustainable roadmap to the industrialisation of Nigeria,” is very important as they all jointly seek to chart a sustainable roadmap for the sector before it collapses. 
   
He added that the theme holds particular significance in the current context, highlighting the need for stakeholders to engage in in-depth discussions on the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing; underscoring manufacturing’s pivotal role as a catalyst for economic and social development within the region.
    
“The NME and NIRAM expo, recognised as the preeminent and all-encompassing 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.”
    
He further revealed that in the ever-evolving landscape where disruptive technologies and trends, including blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), green energy, and Augmented Reality (AR), are set to shape the future, industry players must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency. “It’s 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. These elements will play a central role in our discussions during the event, taking place from November 21 to 23, 2023, at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.”
    
Meshioye said the expo will serve as a pivotal platform for embracing technology to produce our own goods, support sustainable development, and ensure true independence from 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.”
     
He added that there is also the immense opportunity presented by this year’s expo for manufacturers to explore new production processes that enhance output, reduce expenses, elevate product quality, and diversify into new product lines.
   
“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. Also, RMRDC will offer masterclasses featuring the latest research findings delivered by experts.  Another significant event is the Women in Manufacturing session, affording accomplished women in the field the opportunity to share their experiences with aspiring female manufacturers who may be considering entry into the sector.
   
Representing the Director-General, RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, the Director Business Innovation Center, RMRDC, John Obekpa, said the collaboration with MAN is strategic as their aim is to reduce the cost of manufacturing amidst the rising cost of raw materials and process equipment presently.
   
Revealing that they are working assiduously with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials, including cotton, sorghum, tomatoes, cocoa, sheet trees, oil palms, soya beans, cane sugar, cashew, fruits and sesame; he added that this has been done through providing specific farmers with improved seeds or seedlings for cultivation.
    
He further revealed that their recently opened centre has developed technologies that can produce caustic soda, soap, noodles, calcium carbonate, lovastatin, herbal medicine, calcined kaolin, chemicals, talc, hydrated lime, essential oil, API from Mushrooms, Artemisia and triple concentrate tomato paste, “which are secondary raw materials which are hitherto with limited local inputs and heavily imported. The technical feasibility/viability of all these have been ascertained and need scaling up for investment,” he said.
     
He said these innovations and their products would be on display at the expo alongside other local raw materials and products with the hope that a detailed exposé of the nation’s raw materials and their potential to grow the manufacturing sector will be made.