By Adaora Adibe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), through its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinating Office, is spearheading efforts to transform ginger from a raw export commodity into a driver of industrial growth and economic diversification in Nigeria.
In collaboration with the FCT Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and the National Ginger Association, the Council successfully hosted a two-day Investors’ Forum recently at the DSTI Auditorium in Utako, Abuja. The forum was themed: “Industrializing the Ginger Value Chain: Harnessing Innovation, Investment, and Market Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth in the FCT.”
The event brought together key stakeholders, including investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and traditional leaders, to explore investment opportunities, promote innovation, and strengthen linkages within the ginger value chain. Notably, the Emirs of Jiya and Zauzau were present, underlining the importance of traditional institutions in local development.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director of State Industrial Extension Department (SIED), Dr. Chima Obi, emphasized that Nigeria, despite being among the top three producers of ginger globally, has yet to fully capitalize on the crop’s economic value.
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“While we continue to export ginger in its raw form, we also import processed ginger products at high costs,” he said. “This imbalance highlights a critical need for local value addition. Processing ginger into extracts, oils, beverages, and pharmaceutical ingredients can generate jobs, boost industrial activity, and increase national revenue.”
The DG reaffirmed RMRDC’s readiness to provide technical support, data-driven insights, and partnership opportunities to stakeholders willing to invest in processing and innovation.
In his keynote address, the National President of the National Ginger Association of Nigeria, Squadron Leader Nuhu B. Daudu (Rtd), said ginger’s potential extends beyond agriculture to include pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. He urged both government and private sector players to channel resources into building infrastructure and incentivizing local production.
Further reinforcing the economic viability of ginger industrialization, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) delivered a presentation on “Strengthening Private Sector Participation in the Ginger Value Chain,” outlining actionable strategies for investment, MSME support, and business integration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the FCT State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr. Olatubosun Olajubu praised the DG RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso and the management for the visionary leadership and acknowledged the National Ginger Association’s grassroots contributions in promoting best agricultural practices and farmer mobilization.
“Ginger is in global demand for its medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications. The FCT, particularly in regions like Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji, has fertile land and emerging farming communities capable of turning the territory into a hub for ginger processing and export,” Olajubu said.
He stated further that Nigeria, currently produces an estimated 160,000 metric tons of ginger annually, with Kaduna State accounting for over 60% of national output, while states like Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and regions within the FCT are gaining recognition for their increasing contribution and potential.
The forum featured panel discussions, technical paper presentations, a communiques and a well-attended exhibition showcasing a diverse range of ginger-based products and innovations.
Participants praised the RMRDC’s initiative, describing the forum as a timely intervention to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural value chains for sustainable development.
The event ended with RMRDC reaffirming its commitment to supporting stakeholders through ongoing research, market facilitation, capacity building, and policy advocacy. The Council encouraged investors to seize the opportunity to drive industrial development by tapping into the full value of one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural commodities.
