The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on industrial operators across the country to rapidly adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing tools, and energy-efficient technologies.
The association emphasized that integrating these innovations is critical to mitigating high operational costs, reinforcing energy security, and boosting global competitiveness.
​The charge was made on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during the opening session of the 2026 Manufacturers Energy Security and Energy Efficiency Summit held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
​Addressing industrial leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, stated that tech adoption is no longer optional for Nigerian factories striving to survive current economic headwinds.
​”Technological advancement has become an imperative for manufacturers to remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy,” Ajayi-Kadir stated. “Embracing Artificial Intelligence, smart industrial automation, and sustainable energy management will directly cut overheads, enhance product quality, and drive overall output.”
​Delivering a keynote address at 11:30 AM, Dr. Ulf Brackmann, Chief Executive Officer of IKAPITAL Family Office & Friends, underscored the transformative potential of AI while cautioning against viewing it as an instant cure-all.
​Brackmann noted that while AI can streamline supply chains, optimize fuel consumption, and introduce predictive maintenance, its successful deployment hinges on stable base energy.
​”Artificial intelligence can significantly cut costs and boost factory productivity, but only where manufacturers have dependable electricity and solid digital infrastructure,” Brackmann explained. He further reassured operators that AI implementation serves to upskill workforce capacity and create new technical roles rather than cause widespread job displacement.
​Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the manufacturing sector’s energy deficits.
Tegbe highlighted ongoing public-private investments targeted at strengthening grid stability, expanding compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure, and facilitating green financing for industrial microgrids.
​The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to launching its targeted Industrial Energy Cost Reduction and Adoption Programme, aimed at supporting member facilities with structured financing, technical audits, and seamless technology integration.
