By Umar Salihu Adamu
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, has reaffirmed the Council’s unwavering commitment to driving sustainable industrial growth through the strategic development and value addition of Nigeria’s abundant raw materials.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Niger National Trade Fair, held at the Trade Fair Complex in Shango, Minna, Prof. Ike-Muonso emphasized the critical role of raw materials in Nigeria’s economic transformation. Represented by the Deputy Director of the North-Central Coordinating Division, Dr. (Mrs.) Mustapha Asabe, the DG described the event as a “valuable platform” for stakeholders to showcase innovations, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaboration.
Prof. Ike-Muonso reiterated the Council’s mandate to promote the development and optimal utilization of Nigeria’s raw materials for sustainable industrial growth. He highlighted Council’s milestones, including the patenting of new products, expert consultancy services, and the establishment of key projects and programs in Niger State, such as: Annual boosting programs where improved seed varieties are being distributed to farmers, Kwakuti Rice Processing Center, a cashew nut processing facility at IBB University, Lapai, a fruit juice processing pilot plant in Paiko and many more.
The DG ably represented by the Deputy Director of the North-Central Coordinating Division, Dr. (Mrs.) Mustapha Asabe announced the launch of the RMRDC’s Raw Materials Information System early this year, an interactive digital portal that provides data on raw material distribution across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This tool is designed to support data-driven decision-making for investors and policymakers.
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Prof. Ike-Muonso disclosed the Federal Government’s 10-year National Raw Materials Development Roadmap, unveiled at the 2025 African Raw Materials Summit. Key goals include: Achieving 30–95% value addition to local raw materials by 2034, Establishing a robust raw materials database, strengthening public-private partnerships and enhancing certification and quality standards.
The DG revealed that RMRDC is championing a bill before the National Assembly to prohibit the exportation of raw materials without a minimum of 30% value addition. This initiative aims to encourage local processing, generate employment, and position Nigeria as a competitive source of semi-finished products.
Prof. Ike-Muonso praised the Niger State Government, led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, for leveraging its rich agricultural and mineral resources to create an enabling environment for agribusiness and mining. He reaffirmed RMRDC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the state to harness its vast natural resource potential.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, commended participants, including the organized private sector, entrepreneurs, and government establishments like RMRDC, for the success of the trade fair. She urged the Niger State Government to allocate budgets for participation in future trade fairs across the country.
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Aminu Takuma , lauded RMRDC’s contributions and highlighted the state’s developmental strides in agriculture and infrastructure.
The event featured cultural performances by the Gwape International Troupe and observed a minute of silence in honor of victims of the Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed over 150 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes and bridges.
Prof. Ike-Muonso encouraged exhibitors and visitors to explore partnership opportunities at the RMRDC stand and visit Raw Materials Resource and Information Center to learn more about the Council’s support offerings for businesses and entrepreneurs. He expressed gratitude to the Niger State Government and the Niger State Chamber of Commerce for organizing the trade fair, noting its significance in fostering innovation, investment, and national prosperity.
