By Adaora Adibe/ Nafisat Abdulrahaman
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s raw materials sector to boost industrialization and economic diversification. Speaking at a recent Program Presentation and dialogue session organized by RMRDC in the headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso emphasized the council’s determination to transform the nation’s raw materials by ensuring value addition.
According to Prof. Nnanyelugo, the council’s mandate is critical to Nigeria’s development agenda, as it focuses on reducing the country’s dependence on imports by harnessing local resources. “Our goal is to create a sustainable framework that encourages the development, processing, and utilization of Nigeria’s abundant raw materials across all sectors of the economy,” he said.
The DG highlighted the council’s achievements in driving research collaborations with universities, industries, and international partners. He emphasized the significance of the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS). He said by developing a robust and comprehensive raw material management system, RMRDC aims to provide information to foreign investors, and manufacturing enabling them to capitalize on the raw materials available in the country.
“African Development Bank, our own premier development bank is already on board helping us. We are working together to create a 10-year roadmap that will take us from where we are today, with approximately 60% in terms of value addition in the next four years”, he stated.
You Might AlsoLike
He urged other development partners to contribute to achieving the Council’s program.
“ I have demonstrated this by enjoining us to take this, make this first step, and we will be pleased if all development partners in this room can also say yes and yes to us in very many other ways that will help us to collectively build a raw material and agency that will help Nigeria achieve a minimum of 60% value addition to its raw materials “, the DG said.
The DG further stated that the RMRDC’s Research and Development Plant’s role is not to compete with manufacturers, but to support and facilitate their activities.
He mentioned that the Technology innovation complex is been refocused for advanced research, raw material testing, machine development, a prototyping of research, investor management, etc.
The event which featured panel sessions had in attendance development partners. stakeholders, representatives from ministries and parastatals, ambassadors and high Commissioners, organized private sector, former Director Generals of RMRDC, and Directors etc.
Participants at the event commended the RMRDC’s efforts, citing its critical role in Nigeria’s push for industrial growth. They urged the council to intensify its work on policy advocacy and the commercialization of research outputs.
