By Chima Okporie
In a move to enhance rice production and value addition in Ebonyi State, the State Coordinator of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mrs. Nnenna Agbafor, led a team on a collaborative visit to Annex Agro-Processing Industry Limited on June 16, 2025. The team was received by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Tony Moneke.
During the visit, Mrs. Agbafor expressed appreciation to the management of Annex Agro-Processing for the warm reception and introduced the mandate and core values of the Council. She emphasized that the RMRDC is focused on promoting value addition to local raw materials as a strategy for sustainable industrial growth and commercialization.
Mrs. Agbafor stated that under the leadership of the Director General, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, the Council has continued to encourage industrialists and research institutions to invest in the production, processing, and utilization of local raw materials. She highlighted the Council’s interest in exploring the rice value chain in Ebonyi State and discussed the potential impact of a proposed bill mandating a minimum of 30% value addition to raw materials before export.
In response, Engr. Moneke welcomed the RMRDC team and expressed his company’s readiness to partner with the Council in promoting rice production and value chain development. He noted that since its establishment in 1982, the company has undergone significant transformation through the adoption of local technology and value addition processes.
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He explained that rice offers numerous opportunities across its value chain, citing rice bran—a by-product of polishing—as an example. According to him, rice bran is rich in protein and suitable for livestock feed, which in turn enhances animal protein levels. He also noted its application in skincare, stating that countries like Egypt invest heavily in sourcing rice bran oil due to its industrial value.
Engr. Moneke advocated for greater government support for local farmers, suggesting that such empowerment would reduce the importation of genetically modified (GMO) products, which he claimed could pose health risks. He emphasized that Nigerian rice bran, being organic, is highly sought after globally.
He commended the RMRDC’s proposed 30% value addition bill, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative to boost the local economy.
Also speaking during the visit, RMRDC Chief Administrative Officer, Mrs. Philomina Nwagu, lauded the company’s use of locally fabricated equipment in rice processing. She affirmed the Council’s willingness to collaborate with industries that are committed to adding value to Nigeria’s raw materials.
