The leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), led by its Director-General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Ka
dir, has visited the Arridex Omnifactory in Lagos, gaining firsthand insight into how advanced additive manufacturing could strengthen Nigeria’s industrial resilience and reduce dependence on imported components.
During the visit, the MAN delegation toured the Advanced Manufacturing Gallery and the Omnifactory production floor, where it observed the technologies, equipment and materials used to produce industrial components on demand for operators across Nigeria’s critical sectors.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Arridex, Mr. Kayode Adeleke, used the occasion to make a case for additive manufacturing as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
According to Adeleke, industrial sovereignty should be measured by three critical questions: whether a country can manufacture a component it needs, whether it can sustain production of that component, and whether it controls the design, data and standards behind it.
Drawing on figures from MAN and the National Bureau of Statistics, he noted that dependence on external suppliers creates deeper challenges for industrial planning, forcing manufacturers to anticipate supply disruptions, purchase according to suppliers’ minimum order requirements, make foreign-currency payments and tie down working capital in inventory.
“Sovereignty is not the same as self-sufficiency. No nation makes everything it needs, but every nation must be able to choose what it depends on and when,” Adeleke said.
He added that the Omnifactory was established to provide Nigerian industries with the capability to manufacture critical components locally and on demand, thereby strengthening operational resilience.
“That is what the Omnifactory represents — the ability to support the strengthening of operational resilience by manufacturing the critical components that Nigerian industry needs, on demand, at home. This is a capability for the country, and we are glad that MAN’s leadership could see it firsthand,” he said.
Responding, Ajayi-Kadir welcomed the growing role of additive manufacturing in Nigeria’s industrial sector and expressed MAN’s readiness to collaborate with its members in identifying areas where the technology could deliver the greatest impact.
He also reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to advocacy and policy support aimed at advancing domestic component manufacturing and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
The visit comes months after the commissioning of the Arridex Omnifactory in Lagos earlier in 2026 as West Africa’s first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility.
Arridex is also planning a second phase, the Mega Omnifactory, which is scheduled for commissioning in 2027 and is expected by the company to rank among the world’s largest single-site industrial 3D manufacturing facilities.
About Arridex
Arridex, formerly RusselSmith Group, is an African industrial technology company with 21 years of operating experience across oil and gas, maritime, aerospace, defence, construction and manufacturing.
Through the Arridex Omnifactory, West Africa’s first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility, the company produces industrial components and spares on demand while developing improved part designs for critical industries.
Through its subsidiaries, Arridex also designs and manufactures autonomous systems, delivers engineering and construction projects, and develops advanced technology products.
Arridex is a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Industrial resilience for African industries, built one layer at a time.
Website: www.arridex.com