Business a.m
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) have collaborated to create a platform that will promote the government’s backward integration programme. The purpose of the platform, according to MAN, is to create awareness about local raw materials and connect companies that can make use of them with manufacturers that can supply them.
Francis Meshioye,President of MAN,made the disclosure during the 7th Nigerian Manufacturing Equipment Expo (NME) and the 9th Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM), which were co-organised by the MAN and the RMRDC, in Lagos.
In his opening remarks, Meshioye stated that the expo is an important gathering of stakeholders in the manufacturing industry, which is a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP, growth, and development. He also stated that the event offers a chance to display the manufacturing industry’s needs for the provision of long-term and sustainable power,
He said: “The NIRAM Expo is aimed at creating a platform where stakeholders in the raw materials supply chain will come together to synergize, display and trade in available resources and raw materials with the users of these products.
“With this in mind, we intend to close the information gaps and encourage local sourcing of available raw materials by manufacturing industries which is in line with the government backward integration programme.”
Meshioye explained that the theme of the Expo, “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria,” is based on the unprecedented rate of change in the world brought about by new technologies, changing customer expectations, and increasing social awareness of gender equality and the restoration of previously marginalised communities.
In light of these developments, he urged the government and other stakeholders to provide the enabling environment and resources required for a sustainable, competitive, and robust manufacturing sector.
“If manufacturers can efficiently balance a combination of efficient economies of production and supply chains; strong and reputable products; loyal customers; an established logistics network; as well as reliable on-line business elements, they will be well-positioned in the future to compete favourably in the industrial marketplace.”
Doris Uzoka Anite, the minister of industry, trade, and investment, stated in her remarks that Nigeria must prioritize the growth of its raw materials sector in order to support the manufacturing industry.
In her words, “By focusing on value addition and local sourcing, we can reduce our dependence on imported raw materials and improve the overall competitiveness of our products.”
The minister acknowledged the significance of the expo as a forum for manufacturers to meet and exchange ideas, as well as discuss ways to strengthen the sector and increase the use of local raw materials in production.
“This will also contribute to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and empower local entrepreneurs to participate actively in the manufacturing value chain,” she added.
