Local Engineering Capacity Crucial for Nigeria's 2030 Manufacturing Aspirations, Says Dorman Long CEO

As Nigeria sets its sights on an ambitious goal of increasing the manufacturing sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25% by 2030, experts are sounding the alarm on the necessity of strengthening local engineering capacities. Chris Ijeli, the Managing Director and CEO of Dorman Long Engineering, has made it clear that without a solid engineering base, the nation’s manufacturing aspirations may remain unfulfilled.

Ijeli argues that the pathway to achieving this target begins with a commitment to invest in local engineering talent and infrastructure. "If we want manufacturing at 25 percent of GDP, we need to invest in building the engineering base first, not after," he stated, highlighting the foundational role that engineering plays in the broader manufacturing ecosystem. His remarks resonate with a growing consensus among industry stakeholders that local engineering capabilities are vital for sustainable industrial growth.

The call to action comes amid Nigeria's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from an over-reliance on oil revenues. The government has set various initiatives to bolster manufacturing, but experts warn that without addressing the engineering skills gap, these efforts could falter. Ijeli's insights underscore the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, suggesting that investments in engineering education and training programs are critical.

“We cannot afford to wait until after we have established manufacturing plants to start thinking about our engineering base. It must be a priority from the outset,” Ijeli emphasized.

As Nigeria progresses toward its 2030 vision, the interplay between engineering capacity and manufacturing output remains a focal point. Policymakers are urged to take proactive steps to elevate local engineering standards, which could ultimately foster a more resilient, competitive, and innovative manufacturing sector.