By Ewuoso Nuraen Olamide & Rashidat Sulaiman
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at boosting research commercialisation and enhancing women’s participation in international trade, following a high-level visit by the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Nigeria to its Research and Demonstration Complex, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the Director General, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, represented by the Director of the Research Demonstration Complex, Dr. Mrs. Obi Okafor, welcomed the OWIT Nigeria delegation and highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts in advancing research-driven innovation across key sectors of the economy. She noted that the Complex serves as a hub for showcasing cutting-edge research equipment and platforms developed by the Council in line with global best practices.
Dr. Okafor emphasized the importance of collaboration between RMRDC and stakeholders such as OWIT Nigeria, particularly in the areas of agro-processing and mineral development. She further led the delegation on a guided tour of the facility, where members witnessed firsthand the Council’s latest technological advancements and innovations.
In her goodwill message, the team led by the President of OWIT Nigeria,Dr. Blessing Irabo-Oza, commended RMRDC for its forward-thinking approach and the strategic role of the Research and Demonstration Complex in national development. She noted that the Council’s initiatives align with global standards that promote collaboration among small and medium enterprises, investors, researchers, and academia to bring innovative products to market.
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Mrs. Irabo-Oza stressed that continuous innovation must be supported by rigorous research to ensure product safety and commercial viability. She added that OWIT Nigeria remains committed to supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes, particularly through empowering women who are actively engaged in enterprise development across the country.
According to her, women under the OWIT platform are not just advocates but key players in driving research utilisation, contributing significantly to economic growth in various regions of Nigeria. She further highlighted that strategic partnerships with institutions like RMRDC would position Nigeria to fully harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), thereby expanding access to regional and global markets.
She described the visit as “strategic and deliberate,” noting that it reflects a shared commitment between both organisations to build a more inclusive and competitive trade ecosystem.
Both parties expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly in establishing and strengthening trade clusters nationwide, promoting innovation, and advancing gender inclusion in trade and industrial development.
The visit marks another step in RMRDC’s efforts to foster multi-stakeholder engagement while reinforcing the role of women in driving sustainable economic transformation.
