The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) are joining forces to drive innovation in Nigeria’s industrial landscape through cutting-edge technology solutions, as preparations heighten for the 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo and the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo.
The twin expos, scheduled to take place from August 5 to 7 at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions.” Organizers say the exhibitions are set to serve as powerful platforms for stakeholders to engage, collaborate, and explore new frontiers in manufacturing and raw materials development.
MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said the theme is aimed at galvanizing attention toward innovative technologies that can improve the manufacturing process and enhance the quality of locally produced goods. He emphasized that embracing technologies such as energy-efficient systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced recycling methods can help optimize resources and drive sustainable industrial development.
Meshioye noted that a key highlight of the expo would be the display of locally fabricated machines and equipment. He said the event will present a rare opportunity to showcase what is possible in Nigeria while also fostering partnerships with foreign players to further improve the capabilities of indigenous manufacturers.
“Our focus is to promote the ‘Nigeria First’ agenda by encouraging dignitaries, delegates, and participants to see and patronize locally made equipment, explore the potential of our raw materials, and recognize the innovative inventions that can transform our manufacturing processes,” he said.
The MAN president further explained that the event would bring together the entire manufacturing value chain, from fabricators and equipment manufacturers to raw material processors, financial service providers, and small-scale enterprises.
“The NME & NIRAM Expo is not just another exhibition; it is a strategic platform for empowering our businesses and reducing over-reliance on foreign technologies,” he said. “The solutions hub we are creating will help showcase emerging technologies and research that can be leveraged to build a more competitive and resilient manufacturing sector.”
A key feature of this year’s edition will be the Women in Manufacturing session, where established female leaders in the field will mentor aspiring women seeking entry into the industrial space.
Speaking on behalf of RMRDC Director General, Professor Martin Ike Muonso, the Overseeing Director of States Industrial Extension Services, Dr. Edith Obi, highlighted the Council’s ongoing drive to boost value addition in raw materials production. She said the Council is awaiting legislative passage of a bill mandating that no raw material is exported without at least 30% value addition.
“We must stop exporting raw materials without processing them,” Dr. Obi said. “The focus now is to maximize the raw materials we have in abundance, and this expo is about bringing together all stakeholders in the value chain—from fabricators and manufacturers to farmers and SMEs—to achieve this goal.”
She noted that the RMRDC is working closely with groups within the Organized Private Sector, resource-based industries, and other key actors to ensure the success of the expo, which aims to elevate the quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
Organizers are optimistic that the NME & NIRAM Expo will offer a unifying platform to foster partnerships, showcase technological advancements, and reinforce the country’s drive toward industrial self-sufficiency, economic diversification, and sustainable development.
