Engr Prof Vincent Valogu
By Lamai Cassius in Benin
To further help the nation’s economy thrive; the Federal Government has been urged to create a favourable environment for the Green Manufacturing Technology sector.
Engr. Prof. Vincent Aizebeoje Balogun of the Edo State University Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State made the request while delivering his paper titled: ‘Green Manufacturing: A Novel Approach to Economic Recovery in Nigeria’, at the 3rd Inaugural lecture Series of the Institution.
The sector could be developed through the use of the local content technology for the production of goods, the University Don said.
Further, he urged, Nigeria should capitalize on her population of over 200 million people to explore, penetrate and create strong market for its manufacturing sector.
Balogun a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Edo State owned University; said the solution to economic poverty in the country lies in technological revolution.
Also, self sufficiency in the production of green consumers’ goods which can only be achieved, through green manufacturing.
“The way forward is for Nigeria to take advantage of the green manufacturing strategy and evolve her manufacturing sector in that direction as we move towards the 4th industrial revolution.
“The state of manufacturing machining in our nation to be specific; needs a step change to enhance sustainability and transformation towards green revolution, he added.
“We, as a nation, cannot continue to depend on imported technology and food, and expect to be classified as a developed nation.
“Rather, we need to employ and develop our green manufacturing sector so that we can create more jobs and take our citizens out of the streets.”
Prof. Balogun pointed out that the manufacturing sector provides the greatest opportunity for the transformation of the Nigerian economy, adding: that it is an antidote for unemployment, a creator of wealth and threshold for sustainable development.
Further describing green manufacturing as products through economically-sound processes; he explained that it minimizes negative environmental impact while conserving energy and natural resources.
“Green manufacturing is a gateway and key to competitive economy. The competitiveness of manufacturing and support for sustainable development demand new approaches.
“There is an urgent call at all levels of manufacturing, to curtail the emission rate as proposed by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to meet the sustsinable agenda in order to help cushion the impact of electrical energy consumption on the environment during manufacturing processes” he stated.
Green manufacturing technology is increasingly becoming more attractive globally for the production of consumer products, Prof. Balogun said.
Adding; that it minimizes and eliminates processing and production waste using eco-efficient practices and new environmental technology at all levels of manufacturing activities.
On its impact; he said the manufacturing sector contributes 4.19 per cent to the national GDP, and for Nigeria to be one of the 20 biggest economies in the world in 2022 the sector must be contributing a minimum of 15 per cent yearly to its GDP and grow it steadily to a minimum of 30 per cent by 2023.
Continuing, Prof. Balogun urged manufacturers operating in the country to key into the green manufacturing technology for the manufacturing of their products.
“Green manufacturing is a national call to the development of environmentally friendly manufacturing factor, concepts, methods and tools that are important in design and manufacturing of discrete products in order to minimize the life cycle cost due to environmental damage.
“For green manufacturing to thrive, there has to be an understanding and advocacy on the modus operandi towards green mechanical machining processes.
“It is therefore compelling on all manufacturers including Nigerian manufacturers to engage in discussion that boils around the reduction of CO2 levels through the minimum consumption of fossil fuels and other parameters to encourage green manufacturing of products.
Prof. Balogun pointed out manufacturing in Nigeria has a few challenges; among them are inadequate and epileptic power supply, regulatory issues, multiplicities of taxes, trade facilitation issues and infrastructural deficiencies.
However, “there are some area of strengths that Nigeria could build on if she considers the new trend of green manufacturing”.
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