The upcoming 2025 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo, held alongside the Nigerian Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo, will spotlight the adoption of indigenous technology to strengthen local manufacturing and support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
Jointly organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), this year’s event is themed “Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing through Cutting-edge Technology Solutions”. It is scheduled to take place from August 5 to 7, 2025, in Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the event, MAN President Francis Meshioye said the expo aims to serve as a strategic platform for showcasing locally developed technologies, raw materials, and innovations that can transform Nigeria’s manufacturing processes.
“This year, we want to drive conversations around ‘Nigeria First’ by highlighting locally made equipment and innovations that are within reach for participants,” Meshioye stated.
“The entire manufacturing value chain will be represented at this year’s expo, reflecting our commitment to reducing dependence on foreign goods and promoting homegrown solutions.”
MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, echoed this view, emphasizing the role of indigenous innovation in building resilience within Nigeria’s industrial sector.
“True resilience lies in homegrown innovation,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “Even if we can’t immediately replace every foreign technology, collaboration among stakeholders allows us to co-create solutions tailored to our local needs.”
He noted that adapting or developing technologies specific to Nigeria’s production challenges will be a key focus of the expo.
Meanwhile, the Director General of RMRDC, Professor Martin Muonso, represented by Dr. Edith Obi, Overseeing Director of State Industrial Extension Services, stressed the importance of value addition to Nigeria’s abundant raw materials.
“The partnership with MAN and other stakeholders is aimed at promoting national self-sufficiency,” she said.
“We must utilize and add value to our local raw materials before exporting them. This expo is about unlocking and showcasing that potential.”
Muonso also revealed that the long-anticipated Value Addition Bill, which mandates that no raw material leave the country without undergoing at least 30% local processing, is awaiting final legislative approval.
“Our goal is to build a future where Nigerian-made products are globally competitive and recognized,” he concluded.
