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By Chukwuma Ngaha
Braving a slight health debilitation on that early but clear Friday morning, and which might have proven a mega challenge to an ordinary chief Executive Officer to justifiably dump a good path to an honourable quest, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, who – by every turn of events – has never failed to exhibit super human tendencies in terms of drive and initiative, was undeterred as he led a team of his Directors, from Enugu, the capital City of Enugu State, across dualized, inter-city super highways through some windy, but superbly tarred paths – away from the now highly cosmopolitan Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State – to the serene Umuehim Village in Ehi Na Uguru ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of abia State, a suburb of suffused greenery and enduring tapestry of oil palm plantations, and other foliage canopies that the quiet south eastern state is known for, which now doubles as hometown of Gvernor Alex Otti. A Jewel in the Jungle, It is amazing what one lone individual can achieve judging by what Umuahim has become of late, first as a mecca of sorts to the entire state, the south east zone and the Nation at large, who, daily visit the area to consult and consort with the highly visionary leadership personified by the elected governor of Abia State who in his short tenure has managed to etch his transformative leadership skills to cause a once forlorn and remote town, to blossom and evolve into a modern town, and secondly, as the official government House of God’s Own State, Abia, albeit, even if on temporary basis.
Thus on Friday, March 7, 2025, the Director-General (DG) of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, visited the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Abia State Government House in Nvom, Isialangwa South. This significant meeting underscored the pressing need for Nigeria to harness its raw materials to drive economic growth and industrial development—an initiative that aligns with the DG’s vision of turning Nigeria’s vast natural resources into a cornerstone of economic transformation.
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During the visit, the DG and Governor Otti delved into Nigeria’s rich wealth of raw materials, including key agricultural products such as cassava, cashew, cocoa, and rubber, as well as the country’s mineral resources. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to add value to these materials locally instead of exporting them in their raw form, a practice that drains the nation’s potential. By processing these raw materials domestically, Nigeria could significantly enhance its manufacturing sector, diversify its economy, and create sustainable jobs.
The DG’s primary focus has been to advocate for the local processing of raw materials as a catalyst for national development. For him, the shift from raw material exports to local processing is not just a matter of economic efficiency; it is an essential strategy to create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and ensure long-term economic stability. He has been a staunch proponent of the RMRDC Amendment Bill, which seeks to ensure that all raw materials exported from Nigeria are processed to at least 30% before leaving the country. Prof. Ike-Muonso has long argued that Nigeria cannot afford to continue exporting its wealth in its unrefined form, leaving foreign industries to reap the benefits of resources that belong to the country.
This argument was echoed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a public hearing on the bill held on March 5, 2025. In his remarks, Akpabio stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Our decision-making here today will determine our economic future as a nation. No nation can attain true economic greatness by exporting its wealth in its crudest form. This practice must not continue.” The bill, which mandates that raw materials must be processed domestically before export, has the potential to be a game-changer by fostering job creation and boosting Nigeria’s industrialization.
Abia State, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has emerged as a crucial partner in this national transformation. Governor Otti recognized the potential of Abia’s rich agricultural and mineral resources, emphasizing that the state must begin processing its raw materials to add value and fuel industrial growth. He pointed out that Abia’s cassava, cocoa, rubber, and other crops could be processed into higher-value products that would not only strengthen the local economy but also contribute significantly to the nation’s broader industrial strategy.
Governor Otti also reiterated the importance of the RMRDC’s role in the national development agenda. His administration has shown a strong commitment to the cause, with the Governor offering to allocate land for the establishment of an RMRDC office in Abia. This proactive stance highlights Abia’s readiness to lead by example and create a model for other states to follow in the quest to industrialize Nigeria’s raw materials sector.
Abia’s strategic location, combined with its wealth of natural resources, positions the state as a key player in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy. As the first state government to officially respond to the DG’s request for collaboration, Abia’s commitment to the cause sets a powerful precedent for other states to follow. The support from Governor Otti signals a unified push to ensure that Nigeria maximizes its raw material potential, driving industrialization and economic prosperity across the country.
The DG’s visit also underscored the need for international collaboration, with Prof. Ike-Muonso inviting Governor Otti to the inaugural Africa Raw Materials Summit, set to take place in Abuja in May 2025. The summit, which will host over 72 countries, aims to strengthen Africa’s raw material markets, share knowledge on processing technologies, and enhance value chains. Nigeria’s participation in this summit will provide critical insights into best practices from around the world and open doors for international partnerships that can further elevate the country’s raw material processing capacity.
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The recent public hearing on the RMRDC Amendment Bill has only increased the momentum behind the effort to push for legislative change. With strong backing from Senate President Akpabio, who described the bill as a “game-changer,” the bill promises to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape. If passed, it will ensure that raw materials are processed to at least 30% before being exported, adding value, creating jobs, and strengthening the nation’s manufacturing base.
As Prof. Ike-Muonso noted at the public hearing, “We are at a crossroads. Will we remain shackled to the chains of our past, where the vast riches of our land have been exploited by others, or will we seize the opportunity to forge a future of industrial triumph?” The choice is clear: Nigeria must move from being an exporter of raw materials to a self-sufficient industrial powerhouse.
The DG’s visit to Abia, coupled with the state’s firm commitment to supporting the RMRDC’s agenda, marks a critical step in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s raw materials. With states like Abia leading the charge, Nigeria stands on the brink of a major transformation, one that could redefine its economic trajectory for generations to come.
