By Stella Azi, Festus Obot, Adaora Adibe
In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s food security and promote sustainable development, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Defence Headquarters are making strong arrangements to enter into a strategic partnership. This collaboration, which focuses on research, capacity building, and agricultural innovation, was disclosed during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation from the Defence Headquarters to the RMRDC in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Brigadier General David D. Kurmi and Brigadier General Mohammed Lawan on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, expressed the military’s interest in partnering with RMRDC to enhance the productivity and efficiency of its farm projects. The initiative aligns with the armed forces’ broader strategy of leveraging agricultural development to support national security and logistics needs.
Welcoming the delegation, the Director General, RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, described the collaboration as “a significant milestone” and emphasized the Council’s mandate to develop and promote local raw materials for industrial and economic growth.
“We view this engagement not only as an opportunity to collaborate on the expansion and effective utilisation of the Defence Farms project but also as a gateway for broader areas of cooperation that support both national development and defence-related goals,” Prof. Nnanyelugo stated.
He highlighted the Defence Farms project as a model for innovative agriculture and raw materials production. According to him, its alignment with the operational and logistical needs of the armed forces could be pivotal in ensuring food security within military establishments, supporting agro-industrial development, and fostering specialized crop production tailored to defence requirements.
Beyond agriculture, the DG outlined additional strategic areas for collaboration, including:
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⦁ Research and Development of military-grade raw materials, fibers, and other locally sourced materials essential for defence manufacturing and equipment maintenance.
⦁ Training and Capacity Building in raw materials processing, agro-industrial technologies, and local content development for military personnel and institutions.
⦁ Joint development of strategic reserves and supply chains for critical raw materials that support defence and national security.
⦁ Collaboration on innovation hubs and industrial parks dedicated to defence-oriented technologies and local material innovation.
⦁ Promoting resource sustainability, especially in military zones where raw materials harvesting or agricultural activities are conducted.
Dr. Ike Willie-Nwobu of West African Mombat, who facilitated the high-level meeting, lauded the collaboration as a bold and visionary stride toward a self-sustaining defence sector and a transformative push for national food security, spearheaded by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Willie-Nwobu emphasized the far-reaching potential of the partnership between Defence Farms, Allied Businesses, and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), noting that it will drive key national priorities including: knowledge transfer, collaborative research networks, strengthened military-civilian relations, national development, employment creation, and sustainable economic opportunities for military veterans.
Brigadier General Kurmi and Brigadier General Lawan reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to the partnership, stressing its importance to both national security and economic resilience. They praised the RMRDC’s proactive stance and technical expertise in raw materials development.
Also contributing to the dialogue were several directors of the RMRDC, who shared insights on potential implementation strategies and areas of synergy between the two institutions.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Director, Planning Statistics and Policy Department, Mrs. Rachel Kotso, who commended both parties for their shared vision and commitment to national progress.
The strategic partnership is expected to be formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It is hoped to accelerate innovations in agricultural production, enhance the military’s supply chains, and reinforce Nigeria’s broader food security architecture.
