By Abdulmalik Ibrahim
To enhance local manufacturing capacity ahead of Nigeria’s proposed 30% value-addition policy, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has begun exploring strategic partnerships with local equipment fabricators.
A delegation from the RMRDC’s Kogi State office, led by State Coordinator Dr. Peter Adegede, paid an official visit to Precision Components, a prominent fabricator of agricultural and mineral processing machinery in Lokoja, to assess the company’s readiness for increased demand once the value-addition bill—currently at its second reading in the National Assembly—is passed into law.
The visit included a guided tour of Precision Components’ workshop, located near Meme Bridge. The facility, which also functions as a training hub for the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and engineering students from nearby institutions, houses machinery such as lathes, drills, and welding units.
Director of the facility, Engr. Jimoh Babatunde, showcased several of the company’s products including hammer mills, cassava graters, silos, and dryers. He also highlighted the company’s expertise in fabricating both manual and automated cashew processing systems, many of which are already in operation across Kogi State and neighbouring regions.
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“We are prepared to scale up once the 30% value-addition law passes,” Engr. Babatunde stated. However, he pointed to persistent challenges facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including limited access to government-backed loans and the need for high-capacity production machinery.
In response, Dr. Adegede noted the recent establishment of a Bank of Industry branch in Lokoja, which he said would help close funding gaps and empower local innovators. “Precision Components is a critical partner in advancing Nigeria’s industrial self-sufficiency. This collaboration will drive knowledge exchange and equip local fabricators to meet future demands,” he said.
The RMRDC delegation expressed optimism about further areas of collaboration with Precision Components, stressing the importance of developing local capacity in machinery production to reduce reliance on imports.
The proposed initiative is expected to create significant opportunities for domestic manufacturers, stimulate job creation, and accelerate Nigeria’s push for industrial diversification and sustainable development.
