By Umar Salihu , Nafisat Busari
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Niger State Coordinating Office, received widespread acclaim during the opening ceremony of the 21st Niger National Trade Fair in Minna for its sustained collaboration with stakeholders and commitment to value addition in Nigeria’s raw materials sector.
Held under the theme “Commercial Agriculture as a Major Contributor to Sub-National Economic Growth and National GDP,” the event brought together stakeholders from across the country to emphasize the pivotal role of agriculture in economic diversification and job creation.
Participants at the ceremony lauded RMRDC’s efforts to develop local raw materials and enhance value chains across sectors. A key highlight was the well-attended visit to the RMRDC exhibition stand, where Dr. Mohammed Abdulrasheed, the Council’s Niger State Coordinator, conducted a guided tour showcasing the Council’s research achievements and development initiatives.
Dr. Abdulrasheed revealed that the Council has successfully patented 44 innovative products, many of which are ready for commercialization. He added that RMRDC also provides consultancy services in shea butter and sesame oil extraction, sugar beet processing, castor oil development, and rice snack production.
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In her welcome address, The President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Dr. (Mrs.) Bisi Adeniyi, praised the RMRDC and the Niger State branch of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) for their steadfast contributions to private sector growth. She noted that the trade fair’s theme aligns with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s agricultural agenda, which focuses on value chain development, commercialization, and innovation-driven investment.
The CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Hajia Fatima Abdurrahman, also highlighted the economic potential of commercial agriculture, especially in tackling youth unemployment and boosting the national GDP. She announced plans by the Dangote Group to establish one of Nigeria’s largest rice mills in Niger State. This move is expected to strengthen food security and create substantial employment.
She further called for greater investment in mechanized farming and agro-processing, urging collaboration between research institutions like RMRDC, the private sector, and government bodies.
Representing Governor Bago at the event, the Niger State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry, and Private Sector Development, Hon. Alhaji Aminu Suleiman Takuma, unveiled the Niger State Investors Guide, aimed at attracting both local and foreign investors. He also announced plans to elevate the trade fair to international status in coming years.
The ceremony drew dignitaries including representatives of the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, and the Emir of Borgu, alongside senior government officials and industry leaders, many of whom visited the RMRDC exhibition stand at the Trade Fair Complex in Shango, Minna.
The trade fair continues as a major platform for promoting agricultural innovation, investment, and sustainable industrial development across Niger State and Nigeria at large.
