MAN and RMRDC Partner to Foster Innovation and Drive Industrial Growth in Nigeria
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has announced a strategic partnership with the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to accelerate Nigeria’s manufacturing sector through the adoption of innovative, cutting-edge technological solutions. This collaboration will be highlighted at the upcoming 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).
Scheduled to take place from 5th to 7th August at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the expos will be held in the Balmoral Hall under the theme: “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-Edge Technology Solutions.”
MAN President, Franchise Meshioye, explained that the theme aims to attract stakeholders’ attention towards integrating innovative technologies to improve manufacturing processes and enhance the quality of locally produced goods.
“By embracing advanced technologies, we are steering towards a future characterised by innovation, resilience, and sustained value creation for all our stakeholders,” Meshioye stated.
He emphasised that the expo aims to foster discussions around deploying energy-efficient systems in factories, implementing smart factory technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise resource utilisation, reducing waste through closed-loop systems and advanced recycling methods, and collaborating with green technology pioneers to develop scalable, sustainable solutions.
“Our focus is also on showcasing locally fabricated machinery and equipment. This is an opportunity to demonstrate what Nigeria can achieve through local innovation, while also leveraging international partnerships to improve our manufacturing capabilities,” Meshioye added.
He reflected on Nigeria’s evolution in manufacturing, moving away from the past and embracing continuous learning and patronage. “With this expo, we want to highlight locally made equipment and raw materials, encouraging dignitaries, delegates, and participants to patronise domestically produced goods. This aligns with the ‘Nigeria First’ policy of the Federal Government, aiming to stimulate growth across the entire manufacturing value chain,” he explained.
The event is envisioned as a central platform for exhibitors and delegates to access a comprehensive marketplace for new and emerging technologies, machinery, and equipment. It seeks to promote indigenous solutions that support sustainable development and reduce over-reliance on imported products.
“The NME will run concurrently with the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo, organised by the RMRDC, featuring sessions on manufacturing equipment, raw materials, research findings, and panel discussions led by industry experts,” Meshioye noted.
A notable feature of the event is the ‘Women in Manufacturing’ session, offering experienced female professionals a platform to share their insights and inspire aspiring women entering the sector.
MAN highlighted that this edition is more than merely an exhibition; it is a vital strategic opportunity in a competitive global market. “As technology continues to advance, the potential for meaningful transformation in manufacturing grows. The time to act is now—for our businesses, communities, continent, and our planet,” Meshioye asserted.
For the Director-General of RMRDC, Martin Ike Muonso (represented by Dr Edith Obi, overseeing Director of States Industrial Extension Services), the expo aims to promote innovation in raw material development and foster socialisation to support enterprise growth and economic prosperity.
He stressed that the pending 30% value-addition legislation for raw materials, once enacted, will prohibit the export of unprocessed raw materials without at least 30% value addition. This initiative aims to utilise Nigeria’s abundant raw materials locally, preventing their export in raw form out of Africa and Nigeria.
“Enhancing the potential of our local raw materials is fundamental,” Muonso said. “We have engaged with various stakeholders—including the organised private sector, farmers’ groups, fabricators, and resource-based industries—to ensure the success of this event. Our goal is to unify efforts across the raw materials value chain to improve quality and foster pride in our products.”
He concluded by emphasising that all industry players—manufacturers, SMEs, and raw material users—must come together to promote and patronise locally made products, reinforcing Nigeria’s industrial self-reliance and economic growth.
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