Chukwuma Ngaha, Seyi Otitoju
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is set to collaborate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at advancing raw materials development in Nigeria. This strategic partnership is expected to play a significant role in addressing key challenges within the Nigerian economy, and the raw materials sector, essential to Nigeria’s industrialization and sustainable economic growth drive.
This was made clear when the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, led a delegation to the JICA Nigeria office to discuss areas of cooperation. Particularly, the visit focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in institutional strengthening, capacity building, and advancing research and development (R&D) within sectors critical to the development of raw materials in Nigeria.
Professor Ike-Muonso emphasized the centrality of raw materials to industrial development and economic growth, urging that they be prioritized in capacity-building programs. He requested that JICA, which recently concluded a KEIZEN capacity-building program in Nigeria, organize a similar initiative specifically focused on raw materials processing and utilization. “Raw materials are the foundation of industrialization, and their proper management is vital for Nigeria’s economic advancement,” said Professor Ike-Muonso.
In response, JICA expressed a commitment to considering the request, promising to evaluate the possibility of integrating the RMRDC’s participation in future capacity-building programs as part of the broader partnership initiative. This collaboration aims to improve local capacities for managing and processing raw materials, which are essential for driving value addition and industrial growth in the country.
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The proposed partnership holds significant promise for Nigeria’s economic development. According to the World Bank, the raw materials sector in sub-Saharan Africa could generate over $200 billion annually by 2030 if fully developed, with Nigeria positioned as a key player in this growth. Nigeria’s vast resources of raw materials, from minerals to agricultural products, remain largely underutilized. With appropriate investment in capacity building and processing technologies, Nigeria could capitalize on these resources to drive its industrialization goals, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.
In 2023, Nigeria’s import bill for raw materials amounted to over $5 billion, highlighting the country’s reliance on foreign sources for its industrial needs. By boosting local capacity to process and utilize raw materials, Nigeria has the potential to reduce this dependency, diversify its economy, and create a more sustainable industrial base.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Professor Ike-Muonso invited JICA to participate in the upcoming African Raw Materials Summit, scheduled for May 2025. The summit will bring together key stakeholders from across Africa to discuss strategies for the development of the continent’s raw materials sector. With a focus on value addition, industrialization, and regional economic integration, the summit aims to foster greater cooperation among African nations and create a more interconnected market for raw materials.
Regional economic integration is essential for Africa’s long-term growth. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), intra-African trade currently accounts for only 16.3% of total trade, far below the potential for greater collaboration. The summit is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing intra-African trade by promoting the processing and value addition of raw materials across the continent.
The partnership between RMRDC and JICA promises to be a transformative force for Nigeria, helping the country to harness its raw material resources more effectively. The collaboration will also have significant implications for broader regional development, as it will contribute to industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification not only within Nigeria but also across the African continent.
Through this initiative, Nigeria aims to align itself with global trends toward sustainable development, leveraging its raw materials sector to boost its economic resilience and competitiveness. With the support of JICA’s expertise and the commitment to capacity building, this partnership has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and development in the raw materials sector.
