Stakeholders Set to Converge at Nigeria Manufacturing And Equipment Expo November 21- 23

By Azeez Disu

Stakeholders in the manufacturing and equipment industry are set to converge for the 8th edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the 9th edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM) in Lagos. 

The event holds from November 21- 23 at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos by 9 am daily with the theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria”. It is 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 & the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, during a press conference held recently to announce some of the activities for the forthcoming event, disclosed that renowned political economy and management expert, Prof. Pat Utomi will be speaking on the theme alongside other experts in manufacturing and equipment industry during the thought leadership session.

Commenting on the theme, he explained that “The theme 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 underscores manufacturing’s pivotal role as a catalyst for economic and social development within the region.”

He added that “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 toward 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.”

He stated further that the impact of disruptive technologies and trends, including Blockchain, Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy, and Augmented Reality on the future of their business operation will also be dissected by experts. 

“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,” he revealed. 

The three-day event is free to attend but preregistration is required. The organizers revealed that RMRDC will offer masterclasses featuring the latest research findings to be delivered by 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. 

During his remarks, Prof. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, Director-General/CEO, Raw Materials Research And Development Council (RMRDC) represented by John Obekpa, Director Business Centre, RMRDC said its innovations and products would be on display at the expo alongside other local raw materials and products with the hope to draw attention to the nation’s raw materials and their potential to grow the manufacturing sector. 

He said “Our collaboration with MAN is strategic as the roles complement each other. 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 production of several strategic agricultural raw materials like cotton, sorghum, tomatoes, cocoa, sheet trees, oil palms, soya beans, cane sugar, cashews, fruits, and sesame have been boosted by providing specific farmers with improved seeds or seedlings as the case might be.”