Manufacturers, stakeholders push for sustainable industrial growth

Top Industry leaders, policymakers and innovators have renewed the call for sustainable manufacturing driven by advanced technologies to save the real sector.

They made the call yesterday during the opening of the 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) and Nigeria Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo in Lagos.

The three-day event, themed ‘Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing Through Cutting-Edge Equipment and Technology Solutions’, is jointly organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

During his opening speech, MAN President, Francis Meshioye, said the gathering was designed to spark conversations around energy efficiency, smart factory protocols such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as waste reduction through closed-loop systems and advanced recycling methods.

“This year’s edition aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy,” he said.

“Local fabricators, equipment manufacturers, innovators, and raw materials researchers are all here to foster collaboration and drive sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector.”

Director-General, RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, described the expo as a strategic platform for shaping Nigeria’s industrial future. He stressed the need to reduce dependence on imported refined products by integrating advanced technologies, promoting local content, and institutionalising sustainability as a national priority.

Delivering the keynote, Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centres, Dr Ayotunde Coker, underscored the role of digitisation, automation, blockchain, AI and the circular economy in boosting efficiency and reducing waste. He also highlighted the energy challenges facing Nigeria, urging investment in diverse power sources, including hydro, gas, and geothermal energy.

The Executive Vice Chair of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to technology-led transformation of the manufacturing sector.

He said NASENI had developed over 50 market-ready products in the past three years and would continue to support innovation and local production.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said Lagos State remains committed to creating an enabling environment for manufacturers through supportive policies, infrastructure development and promotion of local content.