By Gabriel Olawale
Manufacturing Operations Leader at Procter & Gamble, Mr. Tolulope Aremu has said that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, big data, and advanced robotics will mark a new age for Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
He disclosed that the development will not only increase production and efficiency but also establish the country as a technology leader in Africa. “The incorporation of AI and big data into manufacturing operations provides unprecedented prospects for optimization.
“These technologies, which include predictive maintenance, streamlined supply chains, and quality control, can drastically reduce downtime, enhance accuracy, and minimize costs.”
Tolulope noted that, in Nigeria, where the manufacturing industry has historically faced issues such as insufficient power supply and logistical obstacles, the potential impact of such technology integration is more pronounced. In 2017, the Nigerian manufacturing sector, which included 13 subsectors, employed at least 5.4 million people, indicating its importance to the economy.
“The deliberate deployment of AI and robotics in manufacturing has the potential to boost economic growth in a variety of ways. For starters, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness has the potential to expand Nigeria’s export capacity, hence increasing foreign exchange profits.
“Furthermore, the transition to more technologically advanced manufacturing is expected to provide a slew of high-skilled jobs, solving the critical issue of unemployment. Indeed, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has emphasized the need for policies that establish a favorable environment for such technical developments, citing the potential for significant economic spillovers, ” he explained.
Tolulope, however, hinted that, despite the enormous promise AI and robots hold, attaining it will require overcoming significant challenges. “Key among these are infrastructural gaps, particularly in power and logistics, which have long impeded the sector’s expansion. The government’s initiatives, such as the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to improve infrastructure and provide incentives for technology transfer, are steps toward addressing these issues.
“Additionally, regulatory, tax, and finance restrictions have hampered the sector’s expansion, demanding a comprehensive reform strategy,” he recommended.