By Stella Azi, Halima Olufade, and Aisha Mujeli
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), is intensifying efforts to transition Nigeria from a raw commodity economy to one driven by value-addition before exports, supported by strengthened research linkages with academic institutions and a growing portfolio of commercialisable innovations.
The Director-General and CEO RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, made this known in a recent interview with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). He stated that more than three decades after its establishment, the Council has remains focused on ensuring the steady availability of raw materials for industry, while driving scientific breakthroughs that reduce the nation’s dependence on importation.
According to him, the Council has already secured about 45 patents, reflecting significant progress in applied research and industrial development. “Our work does not end with identifying raw materials. It extends to ensuring that sufficient value is added to primary raw materials to meet the needs of manufacturers,” Ike-Muonso said.
He clarified the distinction between agricultural commodities for food production and those intended for industrial use, noting that RMRDC concentrates on raw materials that support local manufacturing and processing industries.
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The DG underlined research commercialisation as a central priority. He disclosed that RMRDC has entered formal partnerships with some Nigerian universities to harness postgraduate research output for industrial application. These collaborations, he explained, will allow the Council to channel the innovative work of MSc and PhD researchers into industry-ready technologies and solutions.
Prof. Ike-Muonso also emphasized export competitiveness as a strategic economic imperative. Nigeria, he noted, must shift from exporting crude materials to shipping finished and semi-processed goods that earn higher foreign exchange returns. “We help develop capabilities for processed exports with value added to them. We do not export raw materials in their crude forms,” he remarked.
He acknowledged persistent funding challenges affecting research execution nationwide. “Research requires a lot of resources,” the DG stated, adding that the RMRDC continues to leverage partnerships to sustain its initiatives.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Professor Ike-Muonso cited organisational reforms and staff capacity development as one of his key achievements, explained that improved internal engagement and training programmes have strengthened the Council’s human capital and operational efficiency.
With increased patent output, expanded university linkages, and a deliberate push toward export-oriented manufacturing, RMRDC is working to boost industrial competitiveness, reduce import dependency, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a diversified and resilient economy.
