By Oluwaseyi Otiitoju, Nafisat Abdulrahman
The Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) Nasarawa State Chapter has paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike- Muonso, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit aimed to revive the association’s longstanding collaboration with RMRDC and explore new areas of partnership, particularly in value addition to local raw materials in Nassarwa state. NASSI, which represents all small-scale manufacturers across Nigeria, has previously worked with the Council on various projects supporting industrial growth and local resource development.
Speaking on behalf of the NASSI delegation, Comrade Ninad Sambo, commended the Council’s leadership for the successful hosting of the African Raw Materials Summit, and the ongoing efforts to promote local content through the 30% value addition bill currently before the National Assembly. He outlined key areas where the association seeks to collaborate with the Council, particularly in the lithium value chain, salt processing, and sesame seed development, noting that Nasarawa State where NACI has a strong presence is rich in these resources but lacks adequate processing capacity.
In her remarks, Director of Policy, Planning and Statistics RMRDC, Mrs. Rachel Kotso, acknowledged that the Council has previously partnered with groups from Nasarawa State on lithium and salt development initiatives. She welcomed the renewed interest and reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to support initiatives that align with its mandate.
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The NASSI team also requested for modern processing equipment, especially for indigenous salt production. They noted that while local communities are involved in salt processing, the methods used are traditional and inefficient. Access to advanced machinery and improved technology, they said, would enhance production quality and create employment opportunities for women and youth in the region. On his part, Director, Corporate Affairs, RMRDC, Mr. Chukwuma Ngaha, described the delegation’s visit as timely and in line with the Council’s ongoing push for value addition in Nigeria’s raw materials sector. He emphasized that the country is moving into a phase where value addition is not just beneficial but essential for industrial growth. Mr. Ngaha also noted that the Council had previously worked with NACI’s parent body and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nasarawa chapter, especially on projects that support grassroots development.
Director Investment Promotions and Consultancy Services Department (IPSCD) Mr. A. Yaro encouraged the association not to limit its investment focus to lithium alone but to also consider other sectors rich in potential. He said seeking investors across multiple raw materials value chains would increase their impact and expand opportunities for small-scale industrialists.
In his response, Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them that the Council would review all the issues raised. He said that any support the Council is able to provide will be considered, especially in line with its mandate.
