By Chukwuma Ngaha, Stella azi
In a significant development, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has pinpointed the lack of a robust infrastructural base as the primary challenge hindering the growth of Nigeria’s raw materials sector. This revelation came during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, to the Minister’s office in Abuja on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The Minister emphasized the importance of hosting the upcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2025, in Abuja. He believes that this summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to converge and explore strategies for building a solid raw materials base in Africa
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s raw materials sector has the potential to drive economic growth and development, but the lack of adequate infrastructure has hindered the sector’s growth. “We need to develop our critical infrastructure to support the growth of our raw materials sector,” he said.
Prof. Ike-Muonso, in his remarks, acknowledged that the RMRDC’s lack of focus on the critical issue of raw materials market has had significant implications for its effectiveness and the overall growth of the sector. He stressed the need for collaboration with industries, such as manufacturers and end-users, to ensure that research aligns with practical needs.
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“A disconnect between R&D and market requirements can lead to innovations that are not readily adopted or useful,” Prof. Ike-Muonso said. “Integrating market analysis into research and development, the Council can better support the industry and contribute to sustainable growth, boost competitiveness and innovation in the raw materials sector.”
To address these challenges, Prof Ike-Muonso said the RMRDC is sponsoring a bill on Raw Materials Value Addition, which proposes that no raw materials leaves Nigeria without at least 30% value added. Additionally, the Council is hosting the Nigeria Raw Materials Information System, which aims to provide a comprehensive platform for information on raw resources available in the country.
The Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 is expected to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among stakeholders, leading to improved supply chains, better resource management, and increased trade among African nations. The summit will also provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss policy frameworks, investment opportunities, sustainability, and capacity building in the raw materials industry.
Speaking further, Prof. Ike-Muonso emphasized the importance of the summit, stating that it represents a concrete effort by the RMRDC to bolster economic integration and self-sufficiency across the Africa continent. “By focusing on the various factors associated with the raw materials sector, the summit aims to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among stakeholders,” he said.
The Minister, thereafter, expressed his support for the summit, stating that it aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy and promote economic growth and development. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and development,” he said. “The Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 is an important step towards achieving this goal.”
The courtesy visit and the upcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 are expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s raw materials sector, promoting economic growth and development, and positioning the country as a major player in the global raw materials market.
