The federal government has urged Nigerian industrialists to embrace artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve their manufacturing processes and products because these technologies are essential for the future of manufacturing.
This was stated Tuesday in Lagos by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, in their keynote addresses at the opening ceremony of 2023 edition of the 7th Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and the 9th Nigeria Raw Materials Expo with the theme “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria.”
The expo was organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Material Research Development Council (RMRDC).
Uzoka-Anite said: “We are living in an era where technological advancements and innovation are crucial for our competitiveness in the global market.
“We must tap into emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance our manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and drive productivity.
“By adopting these cutting-edge technologies, we can boost the competitiveness of our local manufacturers and position Nigeria as a global manufacturing hub.”
The minister also stressed that renewable energy sources are vital for a greener economy.
“As we transition to a cleaner economy, we must promote the use of clean and sustainable energy in our manufacturing processes. This will not only help us reduce our carbon footprint but also create new job and investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector,” she said.
She also emphasised that industrialists must prioritise the development of the country’s raw materials sector to support the Nigerian manufacturing industry.
“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.
“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.”
The minister also said that the federal government is committed to creating a conducive environment for manufacturers to thrive.
“Our commitment extends to the implementation of policies and programs that facilitate ease of doing business, improve access to finance for manufacturers, and enhance infrastructure and logistics to bolster the growth of the manufacturing sector,” she said.
Nnaji echoed similar sentiments, noting that this year’s expo would deepen local raw materials sourcing by manufacturers for sustainable industrial development.
He said that this event would serve “as a critical window to embrace machinery and equipment to produce goods, support sustainable development and ensure that we are not dependent on developed nations.”
He said that this year’s event was timely given “the imperative to support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address the nation’s economic crisis.”