By Umar Salihu Adamu
As part of its core mandate to enhance raw materials sourcing, utilization, and development across Nigeria, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Niger State Coordinating Office led by Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed embarked on a strategic initiative commencing with an industrial visit to Qu’viro Nigeria Limited, located at Sabon Daga, Along Minna-Bida Road, which aimed was to assess the company’s operational challenges, identify opportunities for collaboration, and explore areas where technical support from the Council may be impactful.
He said the visit aligns also with RMRDC’s commitment to strengthening local industries through innovation, technology support, and raw materials development.
During the industrial visit, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qu’viro Nig. Ltd., Alhaji Bello Salihu, gave an overview of the company’s operations, which span rice and cassava processing, shea butter production, animal feed manufacturing, fish farming using artificial dams and concrete ponds, as well as tractor hiring and logistics services.
Alhaji Bello Salihu revealed several challenges hampering productivity at Qu’viro Nig. Ltd., including difficulties in sourcing shea nuts, outdated shea butter filtration systems, shortage of trained personnel, unreliable power supply due to generator dependence, and limited access to grants for modern equipment.
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He said the company also faces distribution setbacks and low brand visibility, appealing that these issues, if unaddressed, could constrain the firm’s growth and competitiveness in Nigeria’s agro-industrial space.
Responding, the RMRDC team recommended tailored interventions including the provision of improved shea nut seedlings, development of the cassava value chain, capacity-building on quality control, and support for fish farming and greenhouse infrastructure.
In a similar vein, Mrs. Zafirah Zakari a scientific officer with the Niger state RMRDC highlighted strategic programs of the Council, Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed later engaged in deep discussions around raw materials procurement, quality control, and supply chain optimization.
The Niger State Coordinator, Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed, also pledged to explore avenues for securing grants and promoting value addition, in line with its proposed 30% value addition bill capable of yielding job creation, increased export potential, and sustainable agribusiness development and contributing meaningfully to Niger State and Nigeria’s broader industrial advancement.
The visiting RMRDC Staff included Scientific Officers Mrs. Zafira Zakari, Mr. Aliyu Abdulmalik Ndayako, Mr. Mohammed, Planning Officer Mrs. Amina Mustapha and Administrative Officer Mrs. Halilu Fatima Nnatako.
