Lagos: The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, along with industry stakeholders, emphasized the critical role of innovations and partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector during the ninth Nigeria Raw Materials Expo and eighth Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo in Lagos.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), focused on the theme ‘Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Equipment and Technology Solutions’. Mr Nnaji highlighted the alignment of the event with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities, including economic growth, innovation, and education. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through policies, investments, and innovations.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Folashade Ambrose, underscored the importance of embracing manufacturing to overcome economic challenges. He stressed the necessity of harnessing technology to position Nigeria as a key player in the global manufacturing sector and emphasized that solutions should be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

Mr Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, spoke about the role of manufacturers in driving innovation and resilience by adopting cutting-edge technology solutions. He noted that the expo would promote energy-efficient production processes through partnerships with green tech innovators, aligning with the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First Policy’.

Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, Director General of RMRDC, pointed out the surge in raw material imports, highlighting the need for strategic coordination and technology-backed commitment to reduce dependency on foreign imports. He advocated for increased local resource utilization and integration of advanced technologies to reposition Nigeria as an industrial powerhouse.

Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres, emphasized the importance of adopting a circular economy model, which prioritizes reuse and recycling over the extraction and disposal of raw materials, to ensure sustainable manufacturing practices.