By Merit Ibe and Durosimi Temitope
The Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has tasked manufacturers to embrace new technology, innovation and partnership to boost productivity.
Nnaji noted that by embracing technology, manufacturers can potentially reduce costs, increase efficiency, while creating employment opportunities.
The minister made the remarks yesterday at the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment/ Nigerian Raw Materials (NME/NIRAM) Expo 2025, themed: “Accelerating Sustainable manufacturing through cutting edge equipment and technology solutions, “ organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
He believes that innovation and technology are the keys to progress and prosperity for Nigeria, adding that the exhibition is a call to action to use new ideas, smart technology, and strong partnerships to boost manufacturing, and create real opportunities for Nigerians.
“We must ensure every policy, investment, and innovation creates real opportunities to work together and turn plans into action. The world is moving fast, countries that invest in advanced technologies are growing quickly and creating jobs. We must do the same, that is why our ministry is supporting research promoting local technology and encouraging industries to add value to Nigerian raw materials before exports.”
The minister acknowledged the challenges of the manufacturing sector and businesses, calling for teamwork across government, business and the wider community.
“We know there are challenges such as high cost, limited access to finance, infrastructure gaps, solving these problems require teamwork across government business and the wider community.
“The government sees hard work of our manufacturers and entrepreneurs and we are here to support you with real solutions and policies.
“We must ensure every policy, investment, and innovation creates real opportunities for young Nigerians and give them hope for the future.”
On his part, MAN President, Franchise Meshioye said the exhibition was about exploring opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices that can propel the manufacturing industry into a future of resilience and prosperity.
He said the NME-NIRAM EXPO presents a unique platform “to learn, challenge the status quo, and to pave the way for advancements that will shape the manufacturing landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
“Bearing in mind the goal of this event, to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector,” the MAN boss urged industry operators to harness the innovations and strategies presented to get equipped to better respond to local demands while also positioning strategically in the global marketplace.
Meshioye noted that the theme, resonates strongly with the need for adaptation and ingenuity in the industry.
For the Commissioner of trade, Folashade Bada Ambrose, who represented Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, the occasion marks a point of growth in Nigeria as “we are building on the opportunities and technological adoption in the manufacturing sector.
It is pertinent that we harness innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in order to maintain our growth.”
She noted that the exhibition provides a veritable platform for Nigeria as a country with great potential to come together and chart a new path to manufacturing excellence.
“The theme speaks to the future of Nigeria especially in the face of current economic realities which have brought to the fore the critical need to fully embrace manufacturing as a way of surmounting the economic challenges.
“By investing in technology, we will ensure that Nigeria can also play an important role in the global manufacturing arena as the manufacturing industry remains a critical engine for economic diversification for job creation and inclusive growth.”
The Director General, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir said the exhibition serves as a platform to appreciate the place of cutting-edge technology and innovation in the productive sector of our economy.
“It will also showcase the remarkable journey we have traveled
in the path of localization of raw material sources.”
He said as manufacturers, “we must embrace modern technologies,
sustainability practices, and adaptive strategies
to not only compete locally, but also at the global stage,” adding that it will contribute to the growth and diversification of our economy.
“Let us inspire one another and collaborate on ways to overcome, together, we should forge a path that will not only transform our industry,
but also empower our entrepreneurs to localize technology and raw material sourcing,
ultimately to uplift our nation.”
Leave a comment