By Otoikhila Emmanuel
As part of its ongoing drive to industrialize Nigeria through the promotion of raw material development and value addition, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reiterated its commitment to supporting agricultural-based industries, particularly in the oil palm and shea value chains.
This reaffirmation came during the 2025 Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) In-House Research Review and Annual South-South REFILS Workshop, held from 2nd to 4th September 2025 at the Dr. Dere Okiy Hall, NIFOR Headquarters, Benin City, Edo State. The event, themed “Sustainable and Responsible Production of Palms and Shea Tree for Improved Livelihood, Food Security and Prosperity in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, the research community, farmer associations, and global investors.
Representing the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, was the Edo State Coordinator, Engr. Otoikhila O. Emmanuel, who delivered a goodwill message emphasizing the Council’s role in driving local content and value addition across Nigeria’s raw materials sector. Engr. Otoikhila outlined the Council’s strategic mandate, which includes facilitating linkages between researchers, investors, and fabricators; promoting local process technologies; creating awareness around investment opportunities; and strengthening the industrial base through raw material utilization.
He highlighted the significance of the 30% Value Addition Bill, which aims to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape by incentivizing domestic enterprise growth, regulating exports, and restricting the importation of products that can be locally produced. He further announced that the RMRDC has been granted authority by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology to offer tax incentives for research and development, signaling a major boost for innovation-driven industrialization.
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Engr. Otoikhila also acknowledged NIFOR’s pivotal contributions to national development, especially in the areas of planting material development, biotechnology, extension services, and the establishment of research outreach centres. He lauded recent milestones such as the introduction of digital extension platforms, expansion of youth and women training programmes, and NIFOR’s strategic policy support for the Cross-River State oil palm development initiative.
The workshop was declared open by the Executive Director of NIFOR, Dr. L. Isona Gold, who welcomed participants and commended the collaborative spirit of the event. Also in attendance were Mr. Ako Abbah, who represented the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Dr. Abubakar Adamu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN); Mr. Marcus O. Ogungbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; members of the Edo State Palm Oil Producers and Processors Association; and representatives from various farmer groups and investment firms.
In his remarks, Mr. Abbah highlighted NIFOR’s numerous research achievements in oil palm and shea, including advances in agronomy, pest and disease management, development of processing technologies, and innovations such as the oil testing kit and activated charcoal made from palm waste. He praised the leadership of Dr. Gold for driving renewed momentum in agricultural engineering, crop protection, and biotechnology.
The workshop featured a series of technical presentations from department heads across NIFOR. The Oil Palm Research for Development Department showcased efforts to improve productivity and nutrient management. The Coconut Research Department focused on germplasm development and genetic improvement for industrial uses such as copra and coconut oil. The Raphia and Other Palms Department emphasized the development of a viable Raphia value chain to drive job creation and sustainability. Mechanization efforts were also on display, with innovations in the design and fabrication of harvesting tools using local materials. The Agricultural Extension and Economic Department provided insights into socio-economic data collection, uptake of planting materials, and constraints affecting field implementation.
Throughout the event, the importance of the palm and shea sectors to Nigeria’s economy was consistently underscored. These commodities play a key role in enhancing food security, creating employment, and supplying raw materials to industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and confectionery. Stakeholders agreed that sustainable growth in these sectors hinges on continuous research, innovation, and private sector engagement.
The workshop concluded with a review of the establishment of the South-South Research Extension-Farmer-Input Linkage System (REFILS) Zone. Previously fragmented between the South-East and South-West, the South-South zone was formally recognized in 2013 following a proposal presented at the 2010 National Extension Review and Planning Meeting in Zaria. NIFOR was subsequently appointed by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria as the Zonal Coordinating Research Institute.
The 2025 REFILS workshop served not only as a forum for knowledge exchange but also as a rallying point for stakeholders committed to strengthening Nigeria’s palm and shea value chains. RMRDC’s participation reinforced the federal government’s vision for a diversified, innovation-driven economy powered by local raw materials and indigenous technological advancement.
