By Nafisat Busari & Umar Salihu Adamu
In a collaborative effort to advance Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector, a high-level delegation from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) conducted an evaluation visit to the Paiko Fruit Juice Pilot Plant in Niger State. The visit aimed to assess the facility’s operational capacity, identify areas for technological enhancement, and strengthen local agro-processing value chains.
The team was led by the Director of Investment, Promotion and Consultancy Services Department of RMRDC, Mr. Lawal Suraj toured the facility, focusing on raw material utilization, processing efficiency, and scalability of juice production from pineapple, watermelon, and oranges.
Mr. Suraj stated that, “Following earlier discussions with RMRDC Director-General Professor Nnannyelugo Ike-Muonso, the focus currently is to strengthen the fruit supply chain, and ensure that the facility can function at its maximum processing capabilities, with a view to up scale the facilities capacity to include large-scale juice production”.
Key areas for improving the capacity of the facility were identified during the visit.
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In his remark, RMRDC Niger State Coordinator, Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed said “This visit underscores the commitment of RMRDC in transforming Nigeria into an agro-industrial hub.”
The fruit juice facility addresses infrastructural gaps and fosters a partnership between RMRDC and NOTAP. The Council aims to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported goods by replicating this facility in other geopolitical zones of the nation.
Representing NOTAP, Mrs. Yejide O. Akinkunmi reiterated here office support for technology upgrades within the facility. She said that, “We will facilitate knowledge transfer and equipment modernization to ensure this plant meets international standards.”
RMRDC and NOTAP pledged to submit a joint report with actionable recommendations to their respective Director-Generals. Proposed interventions by both organisations include funding for equipment upgrades, farmer-supplier partnerships and training programs.
Also present at the event is RMRDC Mr. Mustapha Nma, and Nafisat Busari from the RMRDC
