By Uche Arinze-Nwosu, Perpetual Anozie
In a decisive move to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial transformation and diversify the nation’s export portfolio beyond oil, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Anambra Coordinating office (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) have jointly convened a high-level stakeholder forum focused on value addition and processing of agro and mineral raw materials for export, held at TIC Nnewi.
The event brought together indigenous entrepreneurs, agro-processors, industrial fabricators, and strategic players from across the Southeast. Notable attendees included representatives from Cutix Plc, Innoson Vehicle Motors, Ibeto Group, Herrima Foods, Nadis Industries Ltd, and Elwin Amanchasis Company Ltd. Explore development of the Agro sector.
The Anambra State Coordinator of RMRDC, Dr. (Mrs). Uche Arinze-Nwosu, in her speech, emphasized the Council’s role in fostering value addition across the agro and mineral raw materials sector. She said that exporting unprocessed raw materials deprives Nigeria of jobs, skills development, forex earnings, and GDP growth. “Value addition is not a choice; it’s a necessity,” she stated. “It boosts revenue, creates employment, and ensures Nigeria earns fair value on the global stage.”
She announced RMRDC pending bill in the National Assembly mandating at least 30% value addition on raw materials before export, an initiative poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s export framework.
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She credited the leadership of RMRDC’s Director-General/CEO, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, for leading the progress in catalyzing industrial development and referenced the successful African Raw Materials Summit hosted by Council as a great testament a growing influence and international collaboration efforts.
The Centre Manager of TIC Nnewi Mr. Kelvin Nwabugwu, underscored the urgency of economic diversification. “Nigeria’s over-reliance on crude oil has limited our economic development,” he said. Nwabugwu reaffirmed TIC’s support for MSMEs, promising continued access to incubation facilities, mentorship, and market linkages.
Representing the NEPC, Mr. Peter Udom, Anambra State Coordinator, delivered a sensitization session on the “Export Clinic Series.” He emphasized the importance of formal registration with NEPC, warning against informal export routes that undermine national economic goals. He highlighted on the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), a federal incentive offering financial rebates to qualified exporters. The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry ably represented by Mrs Ego Nwosu expressed the state government’s full support for policies and initiatives that empower local industries and MSMEs. In a technical presentation.
Engr. Dr. Linus Icheke of the National Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI) emphasized on the critical role of indigenous engineering and machine fabrication in driving agro-processing advancement.
Renowned exporter and CEO of Elwin Amanchasis Company Ltd, Mr. Elwin Anoro, offered practical insights into key export processes including documentation, certification, and logistics. He warned against common pitfalls and encouraged entrepreneurs to seek proper guidance to ensure compliance and success.
Mr. Nnamdi Oruche, CEO of Nadis Industries Ltd, shared his inspiring journey from a small-scale agro-processor to a thriving international exporter. His story highlighted the power of resilience, government partnership, and strategic value addition.
An engaging interactive session allowed participants to interface with experts, gain regulatory clarity, and explore funding opportunities.
The session reflected a heightened awareness and renewed purpose among attendees, many of whom committed to immediate actions toward formalizing and expanding their export operations. The Nnewi forum stands as a landmark in Nigeria’s quest to reposition itself as a global player in the agro-export market.
