By Adeyemi Saheed
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has intensified efforts to promote mineral beneficiation and resource-based industrialisation in Osun State through a strengthened partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The renewed collaboration was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Osun State Coordinating Office of RMRDC to the Ministry’s headquarters at Ota-Efun, Ikirun Road, Osogbo, on June 3, 2026.
Speaking during the engagement, the Osun State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A., said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger institutional collaboration and advancing initiatives that would enhance the development and utilisation of the state’s vast mineral resources.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and reiterated the Council’s commitment to promoting the development, processing and optimal utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials as a catalyst for industrial growth and economic diversification.
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Adeyemi also commended the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, for repositioning the Council through innovative programmes, market-driven research and strategic partnerships designed to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The State Coordinator used the opportunity to brief officials of the Ministry on the proposed 30 per cent Value Addition Bill, which is currently awaiting presidential assent. According to him, the legislation seeks to ensure that a significant proportion of Nigeria’s raw materials, including solid minerals, are processed locally before export.
He noted that the initiative would stimulate industrial development, create employment opportunities, increase foreign exchange earnings and enhance value retention within the national economy.
Adeyemi also informed the Ministry about the forthcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit 2026, scheduled to hold from October 19 to 21, 2026, at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel. He described the summit as a strategic platform for attracting investment, showcasing Nigeria’s resource potential and fostering partnerships among stakeholders across the raw materials value chain.
He urged the Ministry to participate actively in the event and leverage the opportunity to promote Osun State’s mineral wealth to local and international investors.
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Wasiu Adeboye, described the visit as a welcome development and commended RMRDC for its proactive engagement.
Adeboye said he was familiar with the Council’s mandate and longstanding contributions to resource-based industrialisation, adding that he had looked forward to a productive working relationship between both organisations.
He expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the Ministry and RMRDC would unlock new opportunities for mineral development, local value addition and sustainable economic growth in Osun State.
The Ministry’s coordinator also endorsed the proposed 30 per cent Value Addition Bill, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to encourage local beneficiation and maximise economic returns from the country’s mineral resources.
He assured the Council of the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with RMRDC on initiatives aimed at developing the solid minerals sector and confirmed its intention to participate actively in the forthcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit.
The meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to deepening technical cooperation, undertaking mineral resource assessments and implementing programmes that would enhance the competitiveness, sustainability and economic contribution of Osun State’s solid minerals sector.
