By Adaora Adibe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)/Forum of MSMEs Joint Technical Committee have expressed readiness to host an international summit aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship linkages, enhancing enterprise development capacity, and facilitating cooperation with bilateral and multilateral organisations. This was disclosed during a visit to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The team, led by the Chairman and Director of the Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department (IPCSD), Mr. Muhammed Adamu Yaro, commended the Director-General for the support provided so far. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to update him on the level of progress made. He subsequently invited the Director-General of the Forum, Dr. Francis O. Alaneme, to brief the RMRDC boss on the committee’s preparedness, including the decision to reschedule the summit to September. He noted that the adjustment was necessitated by the 2nd Africa Raw Materials Summit, organised by RMRDC, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 24, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Alaneme presented an update on the progress made so far and expressed appreciation for RMRDC’s continued institutional support.
“The Joint Technical Committee has held 13 meetings since inception, recording significant progress, including the development of conference themes and sub-themes, establishment of sub-committees, securing of the event venue, and identification of prospective speakers and partners,” he said.
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He recalled that the collaboration between the two organisations followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 20, 2025, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship linkages, enhancing enterprise development capacity, and facilitating cooperation with bilateral and multilateral organisations.
According to him, the international summit, scheduled to take place in Abuja, is designed to bring together global stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies for advancing MSME development.
The event is expected to hold at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with Nigeria’s Vice President anticipated to be a Special Guest of Honour. He also revealed that the committee has been expanded to include relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, among others, to ensure broader participation and support.
Alaneme, however, highlighted key challenges facing the committee, including funding constraints and logistics.
Responding, the RMRDC Director-General, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, commended the committee for the level of progress achieved and assured it of the Council’s continued support.
He emphasised the importance of developing a strong and compelling theme for the summit to attract strategic partners and deliver tangible value to Nigeria’s economic development. With regards to the proposed nationwide training for MSMEs, the DG urged the Forum to engage with the RMRDC Training School to identify faculty members, while the Forum provides the necessary funding.
Professor Ike-Muonso further pledged to leverage the Council’s network to mobilise additional institutional support, noting that MSMEs remain the lifeblood of any thriving economy.
Members of the committee present at the visit included, Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department, Mr. Mohammed Adamu Yaro, Mrs. Precious Gilbert, Mrs. Vera Akase, Mr. Segun Adeleke, Mr. A. M Halidu, Mrs. Hanatu Abdullahi, Mr. Kama Onuogbu, Mrs. Adaora Adibe, Mr. Mohammed Bashir, Engr. Marvyse Ogba, among others.
