The Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are set to create an opportunity for stakeholders in the manufacturing value chain.
This was disclosed at the news conference held on Thursday in Abuja to enlighten the general public on the 2020 Nigeria Raw Materials (NIRAM) Expo/Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment (NME) Expo.
The NIRAM/NME EXPO 2020 is a forum that would ensure stakeholders in the manufacturing value chain meet, interact and display the country’s raw materials, machinery, technology and logistical solutions under an umbrella.
Speaking at the news conference, the Director-General, RMRDC, Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, stated that the conference was necessary to intimate the general public on the information regarding the expo.
Ibrahim, represented by the Director of technology RMRDC, Dr Abimbola Ogunwusi, said this year’s Expo had been designed to address pertinent concerns for the takeoff of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He said the 2020 joint expo which is the 5th for NIRAM and 6th for NME was set to hold from March10 untill March 12 at landmark event centre in Lagos.
“The significant impact the Expo has had on the industrial sector and the economy at large made both organisations deem it necessary to build on the success so far and work towards an improved Expo this year,’’ he said.
Ogunwusi said the Expo which was initiated in 2012 had continued to deliver on its mandate to promote the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources as inputs for sustainable growth and development.
According to him, the EXPO promises to focus on manufacturing industries which fall within micro, small and medium scale category so as to boost industrialisation.
“ The synergy between RMRDC and MAN is to create a platform where stakeholders in the raw materials value chain could come together to show case and trade in available resources and raw materials with users of same, which is the manufacturing sector.
Also, the President of MAN, Mr Masur Ahmed, said that the joint EXPO would be expected to have a large number of participants and exhibitors in attendance.
He stated that the synergy was imperative in other to explore areas that would improve the African economy.
“ This is an exciting period for the raw materials and manufacturing sectors.
“The highlight of the EXPO is that it will promote the use of local raw materials and the competence of technologies adopted in improving upon them by our sector,’’ he said.
He added that the players in the manufacturing sector must boost the sector as the major provider of jobs.
“Anything that can be done to reduce unemployment especially through production of goods and services must be boosted.
“We are contributing positively to economic growth; the EXPO will also hold a seminar to see how the manufacturing sector will leverage on changing technologies to improve on skills,’’ he said. (NAN)
