By Sulaiman Bayo
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Kwara State Coordinating Office, has taken another strategic step toward enhancing the use of indigenous resources in Nigeria’s cosmetics sector through a purposeful industrial visit to Glow By Bankz Beauty Empire, a rising skincare and spa brand located in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The visit, which took place on July 10, 2025, was part of the Council’s broader mission to identify, promote, and sustain the use of locally available raw materials—especially essential oils, which form a critical part of the Council’s national focus under Strategic Goal 2.
The RMRDC team was led by Mr. Lakadir M.B, Scientific Officer and were warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer of Glow By Bankz, Mrs. Sakinat Akpaokagi, who offered a comprehensive tour of the facility and an insightful overview of the company’s operations, vision, and challenges.
Established in 2020 and officially launched in 2023, Glow By Bankz Beauty Empire has carved a niche for itself in the Nigerian beauty industry through the production of skin care products and the provision of wellness services. The CEO emphasized that the brand was founded with the dual purpose of adding value to Nigerian raw materials and restoring confidence in women through quality, natural skincare solutions. She also expressed a firm commitment to sustainability, stressing that the company’s production methods are optimized to eliminate waste entirely.
During the visit, the Council team observed the company’s heavy reliance on essential oils such as orange oil and jojoba oil—materials that RMRDC has classified among the six critical raw materials necessary for national development. Other plant-based ingredients, along with modern emulsifiers and skin-safe actives, were mentioned as part of the brand’s core formulations. Mrs. Akpaokagi also highlighted that while their production system is highly efficient, all processing equipment currently in use—from homogenizers to overhead stirrers—is imported, raising concerns about overdependence on foreign machinery and the urgent need for domestically engineered alternatives.
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The engagement gave RMRDC firsthand insight into the realities faced by small but innovative enterprises in the beauty space. The team took note of the company’s efforts to align with Nigeria’s raw material development agenda, especially in the context of essential oil usage. The discussion also opened doors for possible collaboration in areas such as research support, quality control, local sourcing of raw materials, and capacity building.
Beyond the technical exchanges, the visit reinforced the importance of closer partnerships between public institutions and private industry players. According to the visiting team, Glow By Bankz represents the kind of enterprise RMRDC seeks to empower—one that merges creativity with resource efficiency, and local identity with global standards. The Council acknowledged the potential of such brands to contribute meaningfully to import substitution, job creation, and industrial development, particularly within the cosmetics value chain.
With this visit, the RMRDC Kwara State Coordinating Office has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that local industries not only gain access to raw materials but also receive the necessary technical guidance, collaborative networks, and policy support to scale their operations sustainably. The Council looks forward to deepening its engagement with Glow By Bankz Beauty Empire and similar ventures across the state, as it continues to drive the vision of a raw material-driven, innovation-led economy.
