Rabiu Olawale, Ogbalu Tochukwu , Akande Samuel
As part of its mandate to promote industrialisation and create employment through the development of local raw materials, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is set to organise a One-Day Investors’ Forum on Cassava Value Chain Development in Ogun State.
In preparation for the forum, a delegation from the Council, led by the Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. Rabiu B. O., paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Honourable Bisi Oloyede, at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Abeokuta, on May 27, 2025.
During the meeting, Mr. Rabiu provided an overview of the Council’s core mandate—to facilitate industrial growth through the effective utilisation of local raw materials. He highlighted key initiatives undertaken by RMRDC, including research and development (R&D) projects, strategic partnerships with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the organised private sector, and research institutions.
He also underscored the Council’s advocacy for the passage of the Raw Materials 30% Value Addition Before Export Bill, which is currently under legislative review. This bill aims to enhance local production capacity and increase the export value of raw materials by mandating value addition prior to export.
You Might AlsoLike
Mr. Rabiu briefed Honourable Oloyede on the upcoming Investors’ Forum, noting the strategic importance of cassava in Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape. He emphasised cassava’s vast economic potential, particularly in job creation, industrial development, and rural economic empowerment. The forum aims to convene key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and the financial sector to explore investment opportunities and address barriers in the cassava value chain.
In response, Honourable Bisi Oloyede welcomed the RMRDC team and commended the Council’s efforts in raw materials development, capacity building, and fostering public-private partnerships. He expressed strong support for the cassava initiative and pledged the Committee’s full collaboration in ensuring the successful planning and execution of the forum.
Key outcomes of the meeting include:
- Commitment to stakeholder engagement involving industry leaders, researchers, and investors;
- Legislative backing for policies aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain in Ogun State.
The Council is expected to work closely with the House Committee to finalise arrangements for the forum, which is poised to unlock new investment opportunities and position Ogun State as a leading hub for agricultural industrialisation.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step toward harnessing the state’s agricultural potential for sustainable economic growth.
