By Chukwuma Ngaha
Nigeria’s industrial progress is fundamentally tied to the availability and effective utilization of raw materials. Yet, the country has faced persistent challenges in the production, development, and supply of raw materials, stunting industrial growth. The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is leading the charge to bridge this gap, employing strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and proactive measures to ensure the nation’s raw materials are harnessed to their full potential.
Through its diverse and impactful programs, RMRDC has made significant strides in enhancing the sourcing, development, and utilization of raw materials for industrial growth. The Council’s efforts include improving raw materials mapping, acquiring state-of-the-art testing equipment, establishing modern laboratories, and fostering academic partnerships to enhance human capital for raw materials management and innovation.
A defining feature of RMRDC’s approach is its strong focus on collaboration with relevant stakeholders. This includes partnerships with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to create a sustainable supply chain of raw materials. Notably, the RMRDC recently welcomed the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) to promote raw materials development, curb environmental degradation, and is collaborating with the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Agency (NESREA) to tackle Nigeria’s growing waste management crisis. This collaboration aims to convert waste materials into valuable raw materials for industrial use, contributing to both environmental sustainability and industrial growth.
Further highlighting RMRDC’s commitment to innovation and quality, the Council recently secured accreditation from the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), a major breakthrough that will advance industrial standardization and quality assurance in Nigeria. This accreditation is expected to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in both local and international markets, marking a significant step towards industrial self-sufficiency.
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In another landmark achievement, RMRDC secured a partnership with Nigeria’s Livestock Ministry to revamp the nation’s livestock sector. This partnership aims to foster economic growth, improve livelihoods, and promote local content development to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign inputs. By enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, this initiative supports sustainable development, boosts food security, and creates new employment opportunities.
RMRDC’s advocacy for value addition in raw materials has also gained traction with the recent passage of a legislative bill that mandates a minimum of 30% value addition before the export of raw materials. This bill, which has passed its second reading, aims to encourage local processing of raw materials, generate additional revenue, and increase the value of Nigerian exports.
As part of its broader industrial strategy, the Council has also focused on strengthening its partnerships with the private sector. During a recent visit to GTI Capital Group, a leading investment bank recognized for its successes in advancing the rice and oil palm value chains in Nigeria, RMRDC’s Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, emphasized the Council’s intention to implement advanced process technologies across various raw material value chains. This collaboration seeks to boost industrial input, reduce post-harvest losses—particularly in agriculture—and drive forward Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. The ultimate aim is to create a self-sustaining national economy less reliant on external resources.
In yet another promising development, RMRDC has entered into discussions with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to boost local manufacturing and strengthen the local content value chain. Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI, pledged the bank’s support for RMRDC’s initiatives during a courtesy visit by Prof. Ike-Muonso and his team. This partnership holds great potential for accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s industrial sector and enhancing its capacity for sustainable, homegrown development.
The global community is also taking note of the Council’s efforts. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), recently commended RMRDC’s initiatives during a program presentation and dialogue event organized by the Council. She praised the platform for fostering collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and private sector stakeholders. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of processing Nigeria’s raw materials locally and exporting finished goods, noting that this approach would integrate Nigeria more deeply into global supply chains while promoting sustainable development. Her endorsement underscores the relevance of RMRDC’s vision in aligning with broader international economic trends.
The combined impact of these partnerships and initiatives places RMRDC at the forefront of Nigeria’s raw materials development agenda. The Council’s efforts are key to addressing the nation’s raw materials supply and production challenges, reducing dependency on imports, and promoting local manufacturing. By establishing modern laboratories, securing high-quality standards, and fostering strategic collaborations, RMRDC is ensuring that Nigeria’s industrial growth is both sustainable and competitive.
As the country gears up for 2025 and beyond, the RMRDC’s model of collaboration, innovation, and quality assurance offers a clear pathway to industrial growth. Through these ongoing efforts, Nigeria is positioning itself to not only strengthen its industrial sector but also promote economic diversification, create jobs, and enhance its global economic standing. The RMRDC’s progress is a testament to the power of partnerships in shaping a prosperous and self-sustaining national economy.
