MAN Urges Investments in Blue Economy and AI to Drive Industrialisation

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for robust investment in the blue economy and artificial intelligence (AI) as key strategies to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification, and job creation in the country. The association said that tapping into Nigeria’s maritime resources and embracing advanced technologies could significantly enhance manufacturing output, expand export opportunities, and position the nation competitively on the global economic map.

Speaking at the annual MAN industrial summit, the association’s leadership emphasised that the blue economy—covering sectors such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, and ocean-based energy—represents a largely untapped reservoir of industrial potential. They noted that Nigeria’s extensive coastline, riverine networks, and inland waterways remain underutilised, and that deliberate investments could transform these natural assets into productive industrial ventures. According to MAN, a well-developed blue economy has the potential to create a multiplier effect across manufacturing, logistics, and energy production, generating new jobs, enhancing local content, and stimulating broader economic growth.

The association also highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in transforming manufacturing processes and improving operational efficiency. MAN explained that AI applications, including machine learning, predictive maintenance, supply chain automation, and quality control, can help manufacturers optimise production, reduce waste, and make data-driven decisions. The adoption of AI technologies, the association said, would enable Nigerian industries to achieve higher productivity, meet global standards, and remain competitive in both domestic and international markets.

MAN urged policymakers to support industrialisation through strategic incentives that encourage investment in the blue economy and technology-driven manufacturing. These include tax breaks, low-interest loans, grants for research and development, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. The association stressed that bridging the gap between policy and implementation is crucial to creating an enabling environment that attracts both domestic and foreign investors, while also empowering local entrepreneurs to participate actively in industrial ventures.

The association noted that the integration of AI in manufacturing would also have a social impact, particularly in youth employment. By training young engineers, technicians, and IT professionals to work with AI-enabled systems, MAN said Nigeria could foster a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and industrial growth. Similarly, developing the blue economy would offer new livelihood opportunities for communities in coastal and riverine areas, ranging from fisheries and aquaculture to shipping and port services. This, according to MAN, would not only enhance economic inclusivity but also support national efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.

MAN emphasised that partnerships between government agencies, technology firms, financial institutions, and international development organisations are critical for the success of both sectors. The association said that such collaborations would provide the technical expertise, funding, and infrastructure needed to scale up AI integration and maximise the industrial potential of maritime resources. By leveraging international best practices, MAN believes Nigeria can accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and create a robust industrial ecosystem capable of sustaining long-term economic growth.

The association further urged manufacturers to explore renewable energy and sustainable practices as part of their engagement in the blue economy. Initiatives such as offshore wind, wave energy, and waste-to-wealth projects, when coupled with digital technologies like AI, could reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and promote environmentally sustainable industrialisation. MAN highlighted that a focus on innovation and sustainability would position Nigeria as a regional hub for industrial solutions, attracting investors and fostering global competitiveness.

According to MAN, investments in the blue economy and AI are also essential for enhancing Nigeria’s export capacity. By developing efficient supply chains, improving production quality, and utilising technology to optimise logistics, manufacturers can meet international standards and tap into global markets. This, the association said, is critical for diversifying the economy, reducing overreliance on oil revenues, and creating multiple streams of foreign exchange earnings.

The association acknowledged the challenges facing the adoption of AI and the development of the blue economy, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to capital, and gaps in technical expertise. MAN urged coordinated action to address these barriers, advocating for public-private partnerships, targeted training programmes, and investment in digital and physical infrastructure. These measures, the association said, would ensure that the sectors develop sustainably and contribute meaningfully to industrialisation.

In conclusion, MAN reiterated that strategic investments in the blue economy and artificial intelligence are pivotal for Nigeria’s industrial growth. The association stressed that leveraging these sectors would not only boost productivity and competitiveness but also generate employment, reduce poverty, and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience. MAN called on government, industry players, and investors to work together to harness the full potential of maritime resources and AI-driven manufacturing to achieve sustainable industrialisation and long-term economic development.

 

With these concerted efforts, MAN said Nigeria can transform its manufacturing landscape, create a technologically skilled workforce, and establish a thriving industrial ecosystem that aligns with global best practices. By prioritising the blue economy and artificial intelligence, the association concluded, the country stands to accelerate its industrialisation agenda, enhance economic diversification, and secure a more prosperous future for its citizens.