NME-NIRAM Expos to upscale local manufacturers to global height-MAN President
…Says expos also designed to make them realize their true potential at long last.
The up-coming 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME Expo) and the Nigeria Raw Materials Exposition (NIRAM Expo,) Conference and Exhibition, billed to hold later in this month is designed to empower the nation’s manufacturers to rise on an international scale and realize their true potential at long last.
Organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and 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 ,the expo will take place at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from November 21-23, 2023,
The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye who stated this during a press conference preparatory to the three-day showpiece, said the objective is to position the local manufacturers for global competition.
According to him, the theme for this year which is: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria”, 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.
This, he said, underscores manufacturing’s pivotal role as a catalyst for economic and social development within the region.
Said Meshioye : “The NME & NIRAM Expo, recognized 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, ‘Future Manufacturing: A roadmap to an enabling environment with sustainable industrialization.’
“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.
“In the ever-evolving landscape where disruptive technologies and trends, including Blockchain, Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy, and Augmented Reality, are set to shape the future, we 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 the 21st to the 23rd of November 2023, by 9am at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing technology to produce our own goods, support sustainable development, and ensure we are not reliant on 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.
“It is crucial to emphasise to large, medium, and small manufacturing organisations the immense opportunity presented by this year’s expo to explore novel production processes that enhance output, reduce expenses, elevate product quality, and diversify into new product lines.
“Consistent with our tradition, 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. Renowned political economy and management expert, Prof. Pat Utomi, will lead this session along with distinguished manufacturers confirmed as discussants at the event.
“Concurrently, the Raw Material Research & Development Council will offer masterclasses featuring the latest research findings delivered by carefully selected 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.”
The Director General of RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Doko Ibrahim,who also spoke at the event and who was represented John Obekpa ,a Director in the Council , said the agency’s collaboration with MAN is strategic as the roles complement each other, adding that this “underscores our partnership in co-hosting these yearly expositions to maximise the benefits to our common stakeholders, who continually aim to reduce the cost of manufacturing amid the rising cost of raw materials and process equipment.”
“On our part, the Council has assiduously worked over the years with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials.
“The primary productions of several strategic agricultural raw materials like cotton, sorghum, tomatoes, cocoa, sheet trees, oil palms, soya beans, cane sugar, cashew, fruits and sesame have been boosted by providing specific farmers with improved seeds or seedlings as the case might be.
“Also, establishing over forty pilot plants at the recently inaugurated Raw Materials and Development Council’s Technology and Innovation Complex, Obasanjo Space Centre, Airport Road, Abuja, is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development.”
