By Merit Ibe
The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. John Enoh, has declared that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is currently undergoing a major revolution, driven by the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency and smart infrastructure.
The minister, who spoke at the 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo co- located with the 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo 2025, emphasised that these emerging technologies are “redrawing the map and the boundaries of possibilities” in the manufacturing space.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing supportive policies and enabling environments for manufacturers and other businesses to thrive.
“Since becoming minister, I’ve focused on giving confidence to our manufacturing sector. The government’s presence here today is a testament to that commitment,” he stated.
Enoh said the government was discouraging high rates of importation and exploitation of raw materials, noting that local production must be prioritized for national growth.
He also disclosed ongoing efforts to finalise the Nigerian Industrial Policy, which aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification across sectors such as textiles, automotive, and others.
“We have a draft national industrial policy that is undergoing validation. This policy puts technology adoption, equipment financing, and power integration at the heart of manufacturing innovation,” he said.
According to him, the development of this policy involves collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other critical stakeholders.
“Manufacturing globally is evolving rapidly. The convergence of automation, AI and smart technologies is transforming the sector. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind, not with our vast raw materials base, strategic geography, and youthful population.”
Also speaking, the President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, said the exhibition presented an opportunity to challenge the status quo and shape the future of manufacturing in Nigeria.
“We must analyse the innovations and strategies presented here to enhance competitiveness. This year’s theme: “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Equipment and Technology Solutions,” resonates with our industry’s need for adaptation and unity.”
The Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, described the gathering as a testament to the shared commitment toward industrial growth.
He stressed that Nigeria’s development goals are tied to improving value addition within its manufacturing sector, which he said was crucial to sustainable export growth, innovation, and economic transformation.
BOI, according to him, is working closely with government agencies like the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to establish an Innovation Fund aimed at commercializing new production techniques.
“We are also set up to create an impact fund which will sustain equity investments which is really different from the usual that BOI gives but we focus on supporting enterprises at the growth stage across the whole value chain of manufacturing,” among others.
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