By Musa Waziri, Adaora Adibe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) to enhance the development and utilization of local coffee and tea resources in Taraba State and across Nigeria.
The MoU, which aimed to foster innovation, facilitate research projects to enhance production, processing, and quality, and source funding and grants to support research and development in tea and coffee value chains, took place on March 27, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General, RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso expressed commitment to promoting local raw materials utilization across various sectors. He observed that the partnership between the two organizations is significant and will boost economic opportunities, including job creation and wealth generation.
Prof. Nnanyelugo said that the MoU is expected to establish a framework to promote the growth and development of both the lowland and highland coffee and tea industries.
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The MoU was sealed with the signing by the DG RMRDC. Prof. Nnanyelugo and the National President, NACOFTAN, Dr. Hassan Kakara.
Dr Hassan stated that NACOFTAN aims to position Nigeria’s coffee and tea prominently on the global stage. He said the association offers resources and support for farmers, processors, and marketers, striving to globalize Nigeria’s coffee and tea.
Present at the occasion are the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Lawal Suraj; Director, Planning, Policy and Statistics Department Mrs. Rachel Kotso; Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department Mr. Mohammed Yaro; North East Zonal Coordinator of NACOFTAN Engr. Peter Yuguda, and RMRDC Taraba State Coordinator Mr. Musa Waziri.
This partnership aligns with RMRDC’s broader strategy to enhance local raw material utilization and value addition. In October 2024, the Federal Government, with RMRDC’s support, unveiled a 10-year development plan aiming to increase raw material value addition from 25% to 60% by 2034. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to reducing raw material exports in crude form and promoting domestic processing to stimulate economic growth.
The collaboration between RMRDC and NACOFTAN is expected to leverage the strengths of both organizations to address challenges in the coffee and tea sectors, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s industrial development and economic diversification.
