MAN pushes indigenous technology to strengthen industrial base
BY MOTOLANI OSENI
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise investment in indigenous manufacturing technologies as a strategic move to reduce dependence on foreign solutions, boost economic resilience, and drive sustainable industrial development.
Speaking in Lagos ahead of the 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo and the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo, MAN Director-General, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that building a resilient industrial sector requires homegrown innovation tailored to local needs.
The expos, jointly organised by MAN and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), will take place from August 5 to 7, 2025.
Ajayi-Kadir noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of foreign dependency and reinforced the need for Nigeria to develop its technological solutions.
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He said the upcoming expos will provide a platform for manufacturers and equipment users to co-create technologies that suit Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
He warned against the indiscriminate adoption of foreign environmental standards, arguing that such measures are sometimes used to stifle the industrial competitiveness of developing nations.
He stressed that while Nigeria must remain environmentally responsible, it should not abandon its current energy mix prematurely. Instead, the country should focus on making existing energy sources cleaner through local research and innovation.
MAN President, Mr Francis Meshioye, said the 2025 Expo, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions,” will showcase Nigeria’s capacity to innovate while exploring strategic partnerships that enhance, rather than replace, local capabilities. He emphasised that showcasing locally fabricated machinery and smart factory solutions will help elevate the quality of domestic production.
The expo will feature technologies aimed at energy efficiency, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and waste reduction. A special session dedicated to Women in Manufacturing will also be held, to mentor and empower female entrepreneurs.
Dr Edith Obi, Overseeing Director of State Industrial Extension Services at RMRDC, said the expo aligns with the council’s commitment to adding value to Nigeria’s raw materials.
She highlighted the 30 per cent Value Addition Bill, which has passed two readings in the Senate and awaits presidential assent. Once enacted, it will mandate that raw materials must have at least 30 per cent local value added before they can be exported.
The initiatives, according to the organisers, are aimed at repositioning the country’s manufacturing sector for global relevance through innovation, value addition, and sustainable practices rooted in indigenous capability.
