By Adaora Adibe, Nafisat Abdulrahman
Experts have called for an urgent need to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government in Nigeria to facilitate the commercialization of research findings for economic development.
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This was the issue that dominated the discussion during the recent fortnightly Zoom Conference themed, Raw Materials Innovation: From Lab to Market hosted by the Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs (DCA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Mr Chukwuma Ngaha, bringing together experts from various sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing raw materials innovation through commercialization in Nigeria.
During the virtual conference, participants highlighted key issues hindering the effective utilization of locally sourced raw materials. One major concern raised was the weak interaction between research institutions, industries, and policymakers.
In line with this, the Director General of MSME Forum Dr. Francis Alaneme noted that many research breakthroughs fail to transition from laboratories to the marketplace due to a lack of collaboration and inadequate support from key stakeholders.
Dr Alaneme highlighted the inadequate equipment for packaging in Nigeria citing China as an example of how raw materials such as scent leaves, mint leaves, and bitter leaves are efficiently processed for medicinal purposes. “most of these things are from Nigeria. Meanwhile, where is our agro R&D? Where is the packaging? Where do we now campaign and make people understand that these are available in this country?”, he queried.
He further underscored the importance of research and development, particularly in the local fabrication of machinery to enhance processing efficiency. “We need R&D in equipment, local fabrication is necessary and important” he said
On his part, the MD/CEO of Spectra Therapy Limited, Chief Duro Koteyi, expressed concern that many entrepreneurs fail to conduct proper research before launching their businesses, which often leads to their short-lived success. He noted that instead of developing original and innovative ideas, some processors resort to poaching skilled workers from existing businesses, hindering true industry growth and sustainability.
“We have so many raw materials in Nigeria and we have so many processors in Nigeria but how many of them actually go through laboratory before starting production, some jump on producing something that others are producing not knowing how it happened” he lamented
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He further urged the government to provide strong support for Micro, Small, Medium, and Nano enterprises, emphasizing the need to protect both these businesses and their products. He stressed that entrepreneurs engaged in raw materials processing should receive adequate encouragement, including access to soft loans and financial incentives, to help them scale their operations and contribute to industrial growth.
A scholar at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Engr. Dr. Nneoma Anele highlighted that research and development (R&D) demands patience, substantial resources, and advanced infrastructure. She also expressed concerns over Nigeria’s energy challenges and inadequate well-equipped laboratories, which hinder progress in scientific innovation and industrial development.
She emphasized that raw materials must undergo proper processing to be suitable for consumption, a process that requires both energy and resources. “Raw Materials are God’s gifts to us, but processing it is our gift to the world,” she said.
The virtual conference had in attendance stakeholders and experts as well as staff of the Council from the Headquarters and State Coordinating offices.
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