By Perpetual Anozie & Cosmas Emmanuel
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Anambra State Coordinating Office, has conducted a strategic visit to IBETO Petrochemicals subsidiary to IBETO Groups located in Nnewi, Anambra State. The visit aligns with the vision of the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, to leverage Nigeria’s abundant raw materials for sustainable industrial growth, reduce dependence on imported inputs, and promote value addition in local manufacturing.
The RMRDC delegation was warmly received by the Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IBETO Petrochemicals, Engr. Vincent Ejike, alongside Production Manager, IBETO Group, Mr. Andrew Yusuf.
In her presentation, the RMRDC State Coordinator for Anambra State, Dr. Uche Arinze-Nwosu, outlined the Council’s core mandates and strategic priorities. She emphasized on the ongoing efforts under the leadership of the DG/CEO of RMRDC on promoting the utilization of indigenous raw materials across Nigeria’s industrial value chains.
She highlighted key initiatives aimed at minimizing the importation of raw materials that can be sourced or developed locally. According to her, strengthening local sourcing mechanisms will enhance economic self-reliance, reduce production costs, boost industrial competitiveness, and shield manufacturers from foreign exchange volatility and supply chain disruptions.
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Engr. Vincent Ejike commended RMRDC for the proactive engagement, noting that such collaborations are essential for industries requiring Research and Development (R&D) support. He disclosed that IBETO Petrochemicals specializes in the production of engine oils and lubricants, with the majority of base oils and additives currently imported to support blending operations.
He further emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining product excellence despite escalating raw material costs and limited local availability of certain inputs. The heavy reliance on imported materials not only raises production expenses but also exposes the company to foreign exchange fluctuations and global supply chain uncertainties.
The RMRDC team was conducted on a comprehensive tour of the facility by Mr. Andrew Yusuf, who provided detailed explanations of key production stages, including, Receipt and storage of base oils and additives, blending processes for various grades of engine oils and lubricants and quality testing, packaging, and compliance procedures.
According to him, the company maintains strict adherence to regulatory standards, operating in compliance with certifications of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), thereby ensuring high-quality lubricants that meet national benchmarks.
During the engagement, the Manager of Quality Control and Quality Assurance, disclosed their significant operational challenge which is, difficulty in sourcing an effective solvent capable of achieving complete dissolution of additives during the blending process; ” Incomplete dissolution prolongs production time and increases operational costs in order to meet required quality standards, she stated”
In her remarks, Dr. Uche Arinze-Nwosu expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the RMRDC team and reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with IBETO Petrochemicals in addressing identified challenges. She noted that RMRDC would explore R&D-driven interventions focused on developing local solvent alternatives, improving additive dissolution efficiency, and identifying viable raw material substitution strategies etc.
The visit underscores RMRDC’s critical role as a bridge between research institutions, government policy frameworks and private sector industries, by fostering innovation and promoting the utilization of indigenous raw materials. The Council continues to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial renaissance and long-term economic sustainability.
