LAGOS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO FLOURISH – SANWO-OLU
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed the State’s determination to champion the cause of sustainable industrial growth powered by innovation, technology, and local content development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 8th Nigerian Manufacturing Equipment Expo and the 9th Nigerian Raw Materials Expo jointly organised by the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigeria Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Lagos today, with the theme: Accelerating sustainable manufacturing through cutting-edge technological solutions.
Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose, Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked that the theme speaks to the future of manufacturing in Nigeria, especially in the face of current economic realities which have brought to the fore the critical need to fully embrace manufacturing as a way of surmounting our economic challenges.
His words: “Lagos State remains committed to supporting the manufacturing sector through enabling policies, infrastructure development, and fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. We recognise that embracing advanced technologies such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainable raw material sourcing is fundamental to accelerating growth while preserving our environment for future generations. By harnessing technology, we will ensure that Nigeria can also play an important role in the global manufacturing arena.”
Describing the manufacturing industry as a critical engine for economic diversification, job creation, and inclusive growth, the Governor emphasised that the future of the State and country rests on the brilliance of ideas forged through collaborations like the expo, where manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and technology experts come together to create solutions that are not only economically viable but environmentally responsible.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, described the event, which brought together people who are passionate about growing the industry, as a call to action, while expressing the belief that innovation and technology are key to growth, and the event is a key to economic growth.
“This expo supports many of Mr. President’s top priorities. Let us turn plans into actions. The world is moving fast, and countries that invest in technology are growing quickly and creating new jobs. Promoting local technology to add value to raw materials before exports, and we must do the same. Let us learn from global success stories and build partnerships here in Nigeria. I encourage everyone to connect, share ideas and make the most of this event.
Keynote Speaker/CEO, Open Access Data Centres, Ayotunde Coker, emphasised technology optimisation in managing keychains efficiently and effectively. “A lot has gone into digitalisation in the last 10 years and the embedding of artificial intelligence and blockchain software is further driving digital penetration, while the Internet of Things is used to measure technology in automating systems, optimising technology and others.”
Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, called for collaboration to boost local productions, prioritise job creation and inclusive growth. “We achieved a legislative milestone through the passage of the Amendment Bill in 2025, which stipulated that no raw materials must leave our shelf until they go through at least 30 per cent of processing. The RMRDC now has the authority to implement tax payments that encourage local manufacturers to include locally sourced inputs into their processes to enable them to pay lower taxes. This landmark initiative makes it clear that to make Nigeria rise on the list, we must reduce raw products export by at least 50 per cent, to facilitate exchange at the level and impact on GDP.”
President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye, stated that the expo will foster the growth of Nigeria’s economy as it allows members to showcase innovation and connect to local manufacturers and partners. “We must continue to give the expo adequate coverage and ensure we put Nigeria first in our quest, as we explore value chain opportunities available in end-to-end manufacturing procedures.
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