By Adeniyi Sakiru, Olaoye Togun
A high-level delegation from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASSI) on Thursday, 26th June 2025, conducted an official visit to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Ogun State Office, Abeokuta. The purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration, explore partnership opportunities, and enhance mutual understanding of RMRDC’s role in raw materials development and MSME empowerment.
The delegation was led by Mr. Kayode Opesami, Chairman of NASSI, accompanied by Mr. Akinropo Omoware, Manager at GIZ, and Mr. Olusegun Dada, Former Chairman of NASSI.
The delegation was received by Mr. Adeniyi Sakiru, Principal Technical Officer, in the absence of the Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. Rabiu B.O, who was on official assignment. Mr. Sakiru extended a warm welcome to the visitors and conveyed the State Coordinator’s appreciation for their interest in RMRDC’s activities.
The delegation was guided through the Resource and Documentation Centre at the Ogun State Office. During the tour, the visitors were acquainted with RMRDC’s field-level initiatives supporting local raw material sourcing, technical support materials aimed at MSMEs, and demonstrations of small-scale processing technologies suitable for MSME adoption.
A subsequent discussion session highlighted key areas for institutional collaboration, including facilitating MSMEs’ access to RMRDC’s technical resources to enhance small-scale manufacturing and agro-processing, and advocating for policies to promote the use of indigenous raw materials in local industries.
Mr. Opesami reaffirmed NASSI’s commitment to fostering linkages between small businesses and RMRDC, while Mr. Omoware emphasized GIZ’s dedication to inclusive and sustainable development initiatives. Both parties expressed interest in formalizing a long-term partnership.
The visit by GIZ and NASSI was timely and impactful, establishing a strong foundation for future collaboration. It underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing innovation, supporting local industrial growth, and promoting Nigeria’s industrialization agenda through indigenous raw materials development.
The RMRDC Ogun State Office appreciates the visit and looks forward to continue engagement with GIZ and NASSI.







