The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has put down adequate resources to ensure the success of its yearly Nigeria Manufacturing Expo.

The event is targeted at Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by equipping them with information on new processes of boosting their output, reducing costs, improving product quality and manufacturing for new markets, MAN President Dr. Frank Udemba Jacob has said.

Jacob said the infusion of the Nigeria Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM) into the event would afford exhibitors and visitors an opportunity to see the entire manufacturing value chain, including machinery, equipment, financial services, professional consultancy and information on raw materials.

He said the expo would be one of the best things for the manufacturing sector as there would be on display the latest models of manufacturing equipment, machine tools, technologies, spare parts and raw materials.

The event is supported by over 3,000 manufacturing concerns in Nigeria and Clarion Events West Africa, the main conduit for the event.

Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Director-General, Dr. Hussaini D. Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director, Investment Consultancy Services Department, Dr. Zainab Hammanga, at a forum to unveil the expo, said the event provides a unique platform for the resources and raw materials producers to showcase and network with the members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

He said the expo would also serve to sustain local procurement of available raw materials in line with the mandate of the Council to promote the development and utilisation of Nigerias abundant natural resources as industrial inputs for manufacturing.

He said: The expo also promotes the diversification of the economy in line with the agenda of the Federal Government by encouraging the growth and development of resource-based micro, small and medium scale manufacturing industries involved in the agricultural and mineral sectors.

He said the theme Attaining sustainable industrial development in Nigeria through efficient utilization of resource endowments is apt for the economy as the expo is targeted at assisting in the sustenance of a resource-based economy.

Clarion Events Managing Director, Mr. Dele Alimi said the uniqueness of the expo include conferences on access to finance and capacity building where the SMEs with challenge of financing would meet investors and development partners who will support them. He said the expo would enable women entrepreneurs to better understand their challenges, adding that they already have over 100 international and local exhibitors with over 5,000 registered visitors.

Sterling Bank PLC, Head, SMEs, Mrs. Omolara Akintoye, said given where the economy is it is only fair to support MSMEs, agric start-ups and build capacity for women entrepreneurs.

She pledged the preparedness of her bank to ensure that SMEs and start-ups have access to equipment by financing the process.

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MAN, RMRDC, others to promote resource-based MSMEs,funding - The Nation Newspaper