By Oyajimi .M, Cecelia A, Adeniyi .S. & Togun .O
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, has reiterated its commitment to boosting value addition and supporting small and medium enterprises at the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair, organized by Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, held on 10th February 2026 at the M.K.O. Abiola Gateway International Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, who was represented by Director of the State Industrial Extension Services Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Obi Edith highlighted the Council’s advocacy for the proposed Value-Addition Bill, which seeks to ensure that Nigeria’s raw materials are processed locally before export. The Bill has received strong stakeholder and legislative support and is awaiting presidential assent. Its implementation is expected to stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, boost foreign exchange earnings, and strengthen local content development. Dr. Edith further recalled RMRDC’s participation in the launch of the Smart Storage System at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, describing the initiative as a practical intervention to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security.
Dr. Edith, commended the Ogun State Government for sustaining an enabling climate for enterprise growth and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to deepening agro-industrial processing, technology deployment, and enterprise development across the State.
The Trade Fair, formed part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State. With the theme “Promoting Business through Partnerships,” the event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, investors, development partners, manufacturers, farmers, and SMEs to discuss practical strategies for strengthening trade, attracting investment, and advancing industrial growth in the State.
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Among those present were the Special Adviser to His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Trade, Mrs. Oluyemisi Somorin Daudu; the Deputy President of NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale Cole; the President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Oladiran Idris; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Kehinde Olukayode Akintomide.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of OGUNCCIMA described the Gateway Trade Fair as a platform for ideas, partnerships, and market opportunities. He highlighted Ogun State’s strategic location, improving logistics corridors, emerging industrial parks, and rich endowment of agro raw materials and solid minerals. He encouraged businesses to invest more in processing and manufacturing, noting that sustainable growth would come from stronger value chains and closer collaboration between SMEs and larger industries.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the national leadership of NACCIMA, the National President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, represented by the Deputy President, Dr. Michael Olawale Cole, commended OGUNCCIMA for sustaining the Trade Fair as a key engagement platform. They emphasized the important role of chambers of commerce in strengthening the business environment, enhancing SME competitiveness, and supporting private sector collaboration across Nigeria.
Declaring the Trade Fair open, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Emmanuel Shofela, representing the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, spoke on ongoing efforts by the State Government to improve the business environment, attract investment, and strengthen industrial linkages.
During the Trade Fair, RMRDC officers interacted closely with SMEs, processors, and prospective investors, providing practical guidance on processing technologies, equipment options, basic quality management, post-harvest handling, and storage solutions. Engagements with private sector partners also focused on post-Trade Fair collaboration, including the organization of SME clinics, industrial visits, and targeted technology support programs.
Dr. Edith was accompanied by RMRDC South West State Coordinators; Mrs. Uche Ojiakor (Lagos), Mr. Rabiu B.O. (Ogun), Mr. Adeyemi S.A. (Osun) while the Oyo State Coordinator was represented by Miss. Biliaminu A. (P.S.O). Their presence underscored the Council’s coordinated regional approach to industrial extension and SME support.
The Trade Fair recorded strong participation from business groups and public institutions and provided fresh opportunities for networking and partnership building. The event was brought to a successful close with renewed commitments by stakeholders to sustain collaboration in promoting value addition, strengthening SME competitiveness, and positioning Ogun State as a leading centre for agro-processing and industrial development in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
