By Henrietta Ude
As part of effort to unlocking investment opportunities in the coal value chain and to explore the untapped investment potential in the coal sector, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Enugu State Coordinating Office in collaboration with the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA) organised a day programme with the theme ‘Unlocking Investment Opportunities in the Coal Value Chain for Sustainable Industrial Growth in Enugu’, held at ECCIMA Hall, Old Trade Fair Complex, Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The event which aimed at repositioning coal as a significant driver for economic diversification, industrialization, and job creation in the region, brought together key stakeholders, investors, policymakers, industry experts and researchers to unravel opportunities in the coal sectors; leaving stakeholders with no doubt that the coal industry needs urgent attention in other to tap into the potentials in the sub-sector for the benefit and growth of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
In his keynote address, Prof. Daniel Chukwuemeka Ozoko delved into the rich history of coal mining in Enugu State, industries powered by Enugu coal during the coal boom, coal value chain, investment potential and revenue generation among others.
The Director-General RMRDC Professor Ike- muonso, represented by a Director of the Council, Dr Edith Obi emphasized the need to transition the perception of coal beyond power generation and stressed the need to harness the value chain. He urged investors to take advantage of the vast coal reserves in Enugu State to drive industrialization.
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The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Ike-Muonso, highlighted the importance of transitioning the perception of coal beyond power generation. According to Professor Ike-Muonso, who was represented by Dr. Edith Obi, coal has a vast value chain that needs to be harnessed to drive industrialization.
The DG urged investors to take advantage of the vast coal reserves in Enugu State, emphasizing the potential for coal to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
“By transitioning the perception of coal and harnessing its value chain, Nigeria can unlock the potential of its coal reserves, drive industrialization, and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development”.
The forum concluded with several key resolutions aimed at transforming the coal sector, which included:
– Reviving the Nigerian Coal Corporation
– Adopting clean coal technology
– Integrating coal into the national energy mix to enhance energy security
– Promoting public-private partnerships
– Improving coal-based infrastructure such as railways
– Encouraging research into the coal value chain
– Strengthening research-industry linkages
– Advocating for investment-friendly policies and incentives
The RMRDC and ECCIMA expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the success of the event, and as follow-up actions are set to begin, stakeholders are urged to maintain the momentum and drive towards real investments in Enugu State’s coal value chain. This will ensure that the potential benefits of the coal industry translate into tangible results for the region.
