Minister advocates for strong Triple Helix initiative to deepen collaboration between MAN, Agencies

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has advocated for a strong Triple Helix initiative to deepen the collaboration and linkage between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the agencies under his ministry.

The minister advocated for this collaboration in his address at the opening ceremony of 2023 Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME EXPO) and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM EXPO) held at Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Nnaji said that the need for partnership, such as the one between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), further underscores the challenges of competition in the industrial place arising from the ongoing globalization of world economies.

The event, he said, also serves as a critical window to embrace machinery and equipment to produce goods, support sustainable development and ensure we are not dependent on developed nations.

“Indeed, this year’s event could not have been held at a better time than now with the imperative to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address the nation’s economic crisis. It is a well-known dictum that any Country that does not stand its developmental efforts on Science, Technology and Innovation cannot expect dividend of socio-economic rejuvenation, which underscores the indispensable need to deploy a demand-driven research and development solution. Hence, the need to recognise the relationship between sustainable market and demand-driven research and societal development for economic growth and industrialization that are built on the untiring efforts of the Organised Private Sector of our economy,” the minister said.

According to him, industrialization is one of the indices of measuring the development of nations and the survival of manufacturing industries is dependent largely on the availability of raw materials, adding “With more than half of Nigeria’s revenue derived from oil exports, diversification from the mono oil economy is imperative for the nation to achieve and maintain a solid sustainable economic base. Thus, the theme of this year’s Expo: “The Future of Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialization of Nigeria” would not have come at a better time.”

The minister highlighted that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is exemplifying this by its adherence to the development and promotion of pilot agricultural and mineral raw materials as well as process equipment that meet the requirements of manufacturing industries.

He stated further that as the Country embarks on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), there is the need for consistent engagements amongst stakeholders in the raw materials and manufacturing value chain of the economy to avoid overbearing dumping of sub-standard raw materials and products on our shores from various sources across the world.

In the minister’s words: “Recently, I paid a working visit to the Technology and Innovation Centre of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). I was impressed with the work the Council has done to facilitate the Country’s economic diversification initiative and manufacturing contribution to GDP. The Centre provides a platform for technology adoption, adaptation and transfer for agricultural and mineral raw materials process technology in Nigeria.

“This is a testament to my Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and product development. The Centre offers a window for industrial/academic research as it relates to raw materials development and utilization in Nigeria. The Centre also serves as a one-stop process technology outlay that showcases equipment, processes, instrumentation, etc. that a potential investor or an entrepreneur could take up in areas of agricultural and minerals processing.

“In line with this and with the strategic implementation of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5, my Ministry, through the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has commenced the process for the establishment and replication of the Centre across the six geo-political zones to allow for even development of resource-based industrialization and encourage local production of raw materials where Nigeria has the wherewithal and competitive advantage over and above other nations of the world.”

 Nnaji urged industrialists and investors to replicate the process technologies showcased at the Centre at commercial scale for increased manufacturing activities, more so that their feasibility and viability as well as the capability of Nigerian engineers to design and fabricate process equipment have been demonstrated, adding “Secondary and tertiary raw materials produced locally will reduce dependence on importation and conserve foreign exchange.”

He pointed out that his Ministry is tasked with driving scientific research, promoting technological advancements and fostering innovation and commercialisation across the sectors of the economy in response to the Presidential Executive Order No. 5,

“I find it compelling that the over forty pilot plants at the Technology and Innovation Centre which will be exhibited during this event have provided the required catalyst for the development of resource and knowledge-based manufacturing in Nigeria.

“It is an industry that produces consumer and capital goods, creates new products and processes which generate new employment opportunities. It also provides, in the process, unlimited access to science, technology and innovation for the populace,” the minister emphasized.

Nnaji congratulated and appreciated the dogged efforts and synergy between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) which brought about this successful international technology showcase and trade and invited stakeholders particularly members of the Organised Private Sector to take the most of the opportunities presented to mitigate growth and development in their various socio-economic impacting endeavours.

“Together, we shall build a self-reliant and prosperous nation with sustained competitiveness in raw materials and products through manufacturing. It is my expectation that this Expo is sustained, with every edition bringing unique outcomes for the raw materials and manufacturing sectors,” the minister added.