By Aisha Mahmud & Obekpa Simon
In a strategic move to promote the use of indigenous raw materials and empower vulnerable populations, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES).
The collaboration, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports and enhancing sustainable livelihoods, was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the RMRDC team to the NG-CARES office in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on the 8th of July 2025.
Speaking during the visit, the RMRDC State Coordinator, Mr. A.Y. Alaku, underscored the importance of the partnership, noting that RMRDC’s expertise in raw materials research and development will help NG-CARES meet its core objectives. These include improving food security, strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and supporting vulnerable households through research support, capacity building, and value addition.
Mr. Obekpa Simon, Scientific Officer at RMRDC Lafia, also reiterated the Council’s commitment to promoting MSMEs, disclosing an ongoing collaboration with the Tropical Dermal Research and Training Institute (TDRTI). The initiative focuses on replacing harmful bleaching products with safer, locally sourced skincare solutions—an effort aligned with Nigeria’s drive for local content utilization and economic development.
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In his response, Mr. Umar Ibrahim Dahiru, the State Coordinator of NG-CARES Lafia, welcomed the RMRDC delegation and affirmed the organization’s readiness to work closely with the Council. He noted that NG-CARES is committed to alleviating poverty by supporting MSMEs and ensuring food security—objectives that align closely with RMRDC’s mandate. He stated that. “We are open to working and collaborating with you in any area required. Your expertise and research capacity are assets that can significantly improve the impact of our programs.”
The meeting is a preliminary one. It has paved the way for further talks between the Council and NG-CARES. Future meetings are expected to concretise mutual understanding and formalize collaborative efforts that will enable both organizations to jointly deliver more impactful interventions in Nasarawa State, especially for the poor and vulnerable groups.
