Lagos, Nov. 22, 2023: The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has reaffirmed the Federal Government commitment to support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda through demand-driven research and development.
Nnaji said this at the eighth Edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME Expo) and ninth Edition of the Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM Expo), on Tuesday in Lagos.
The event was organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
The minister said the event’s theme: “The Future of Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria,” was apt an promised to create an enabling environment for research and development.
According to him, the event serves as a critical window to embrace machinery and equipment to produce goods, support sustainable development and ensure Nigeria is not dependent on developed nations.
He noted that the RMRDC was exemplifying his support for industrialisation by its adherence to the development and promotion of pilot agricultural and mineral raw materials as well as process equipment to meet manufacturing industries requirements.
Nnaji said as Nigeria embarks on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, consistent engagements amongst stakeholders in the raw materials and manufacturing value chain of the economy was critical.
This, he said, was to avoid overbearing dumping of sub-standard raw materials and products on the country’s shores from various sources across the world.
“In line with the strategic implementation of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5, my ministry, through the RMRDC, has commenced the process for the establishment and replication of the centre across the six geo-political zones.
“This is to allow for even development of resource-based industrialisation and encourage local production of raw materials where Nigeria has the wherewithal and competitive advantage over and above other nations of the world.
“I urge industrialists and investors to replicate the process technologies showcased at the centre at commercial scale for increased manufacturing activities.
“I strongly advocate a strong Triple Helix initiative to deepen the collaboration and linkage between MAN and the agencies under my Ministry.
“The need for partnership such as the one between MAN and the RMRDC, further underscores the challenges of competition in the industrial place arising from the ongoing globalisation of world economies,” he said.
