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By Oluwaseyi Otitoju, Hembadoon Ode
As efforts continue to be geared towards the 30% value addition and optimal utilization of the nation’s raw materials, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council recently held exploratory talks with Nardus Limited, a pioneering company producing lemongrass essential oil in commercial quantities, to enhance the nation’s capacity in essential oils and fragrances production.
The meeting, which took place at the Council’s headquarters, underscored the potential of Nigeria’s abundant but underutilized indigenous plants. The delegation from Nardus Limited, led by its Director Mr. Olusola Olunawo highlighted the vast economic possibilities locked within local botanicals such as Lemongrass, Moringa, Sweet Basil, Water Hyacinth, and Scent Leaf.
Mr. Olunawo said that, “These plants are currently underexploited in Nigeria,” and also added the fact that Nardus’s vision is to scale production and transform these raw materials into globally competitive products. He noted that the technical support of reputable organizations like the RMRDC will be instrumental especially in areas such as machinery fabrication and product innovation.
Mr. Olunawo further revealed Nardus Ltd’s plan to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary with a national initiative titled “Unlocking the Possibilities of Nigeria’s Fragrance Industry,” the 65 day campaign slated to run from July to October 2025 aims to raise awareness, attract investment, and promote youth involvement in the sector.
Responding, the Director General of the RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, lauded the initiative and expressed the Council’s commitment to collaborate with the company to ensure the success of the event. He emphasized the Council’s commitment to supporting private sector players through technical assistance, research partnerships, and capacity building. Prof. Nnanyelugo fully endorsed the initiative describing it as an “Avenue to create job opportunities for the nation’s youths, introduce them to agriculture through the cultivation of lemongrass, a perennial that keeps for producing maximally for seven years and requires very little rigorous farming activity to maintain. This will undoubtedly mark a significant drop in the high rate of crimes, reduce delinquencyrates among the youths of the nation and various degrees of drug abuse by them.
Professor Ike-Muonso in his response expressed the views held by the members of the senior management team consisting of the Director of the Planning, Statistics and Policy Department, Mrs. Rachel Kotso; Director of the Agricultural and Agro-Allied Department who (AAD) Professor Sab Eberiekwe who were in attendance and had earlier made their opinions known that, a partnership between the Council and Nardus Ltd., is a win-win situation for Nardus Ltd., the Council and the youth of Nigeria.
The partnership between the RMRDC and Nardus Ltd., is expected to stimulate industrial growth, promote indigenous resource utilization, and most importantly, empower Nigerian youth through job creation in the fragrance and essential oil industries.
