Independent Newspaper and VVC Watch have reported on Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua’s perspectives on Nigeria’s manufacturing skills gap, local production, and the importance of adding value to the country’s raw materials.
Prof. Ekeng-Itua, Founder and Visionary CEO of the African Technology and Innovation Institute (ATII), highlighted the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, invest in technical skills, and translate local resources into higher-value products.
Published on 14 October 2026, the reports address interconnected challenges facing Nigeria’s industrial sector, from preparing young people for emerging digital employment opportunities to encouraging local production and reducing dependence on imported finished goods.
Addressing Nigeria’s Manufacturing Skills Gap
Independent Newspaper highlighted Prof. Ekeng-Itua’s warning that Nigeria risks missing opportunities associated with the projected 260 million digital jobs expected across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 if the skills gap is not addressed.
Robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) were identified as important areas for developing the practical competencies required in modern manufacturing.
The discussion also emphasised the need for government, educational institutions, and the private sector to invest in relevant training and prepare young Nigerians for the changing demands of technology-driven industries.
Bridging this skills gap requires connecting education and workforce development with the practical competencies needed to translate technological advancement into productive economic activity.
Encouraging Local Manufacturing and Value Addition
VVC Watch focused on Prof. Ekeng-Itua’s concerns about Nigeria’s continued export of raw materials without sufficient local processing.
Tax incentives for businesses that manufacture goods within Nigeria, with additional incentives for companies that also source their raw materials locally, were among the measures advocated to encourage domestic production.
Such policies could stimulate investment in local industries, strengthen supply chains, create employment opportunities, and enable Nigerian businesses to retain more economic value from the country’s resources.
A supportive policy environment is essential for helping local manufacturers expand production, adopt modern technologies, and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.
Unlocking the Potential of Local Resources
Prof. Ekeng-Itua also identified cassava, cocoa, and oil palm as agricultural resources that could support agro-based manufacturing in Cross River State.
Processing these commodities locally into higher-value products presents opportunities to expand industrial activity, create jobs, and strengthen the connection between agriculture and manufacturing.
The reports also highlight the development of edible and biodegradable plastics from cassava flour in Prof. Ekeng-Itua’s laboratory. This innovation demonstrates how locally available agricultural resources can be explored for industrial applications beyond conventional food production.
Collaboration among government, industry, and academia remains important for translating research into commercially viable products and practical industrial solutions.
Advancing ATII’s Industrial Development Mission
The issues highlighted by Independent Newspaper and VVC Watch align with ATII’s commitment to addressing Africa’s industrial challenges through technology innovation, research, sustainable technology solutions, and workforce development.
As a research-driven technology innovation, deployment, and capacity-building company, ATII works to connect research and technological advancement with practical applications that respond to industrial needs.
The discussions around manufacturing skills, local production, and value addition reinforce the importance of building an ecosystem in which innovation, relevant technical skills, and investment in domestic industries contribute to sustainable industrial growth across Africa.
Read the Full Reports Here:
Independent Newspaper: Nigeria Risks Losing 260m Digital Jobs Without Manufacturing Skills, Expert Warns
VVC Watch: Nigeria’s Raw Material Exports Undermine Industrial Growth, Expert Warns
https://vvcwatch.com/blog/nigerias-raw-material-exports-undermine-industrial-growth-expert-warns/