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By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi
As part of preparations for the upcoming African Raw Materials Summit 2025, scheduled for May 20 – 22, 2025, at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, a delegation from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), paid a courtesy visit to Berger Paints Plc., Lagos, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The visit was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the Summit and fostering industry collaborations.
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Speaking during the visit, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to advancing industrial growth through the effective utilization of raw materials. He highlighted his proactive engagement with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) since assuming office, recognizing the crucial role of raw materials sourcing in manufacturing.
Prof. Ike-Muonso acknowledged the challenges Nigerian industries face in being competitive globally and emphasized the Council’s dedication to addressing these issues through strategic policy interventions. He urged Berger Paints Plc to collaborate with MAN and the federal government in ensuring sustainable availability and supply of essential raw materials for manufacturing.
He introduced the National Raw Materials Information Management System (NRMIMS), the RMRDC raw materials database, designed as a resource hub for manufacturers for easy access to information in the raw Materials sector.
The DG stressed the significance of the forth-coming Summit in identifying key partners across Africa and fostering collaboration through knowledge exchange. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity for raw materials to meet global standards and specifications and therefore, outlined the available sponsorship categories for the Summit. He encouraged Berger Paints Plc to take a leadership role and sign-post their brand for visibility during the event. According to him, the Summit would serve as a platform for industry stakeholders to share insights, build partnerships and strengthen regional cooperation.
Providing further insights, Prof. Bernard Odoh, Consultant and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the African Raw Materials Summit, highlighted Council’s sponsorship of a Legislative Bill mandating that raw materials undergo at least 30% value-addition before export. He noted that the legislative initiative which aims to drive local industrial capacity, growth and economic development, has had a successful public hearing at the National Assembly. He further elaborated on the African Raw Materials Summit, emphasizing its role in bringing together stakeholders to explore industry opportunities.
Responding, the Managing Director of Berger Paints Plc, Mrs Alaba Fagun, assured the RMRDC delegation that the company would review the sponsorship proposal and provide feedback. She also raised concerns about some challenges being faced by Berger Paints Plc. including testing of materials and, therefore, sought possible interventions. Prof. Ike-Muonso assured her that RMRDC would assist in facilitating access to local raw materials for the company.
The Chief Operating Officer of Berger Paints Plc, Engr. Celestine Aruoture and Head of Products, Mrs. Ronke Olajubu, welcomed this initiative, noting that the company currently ships some samples abroad for laboratory analysis. They both expressed willingness to explore partnership opportunities if RMRDC could provide suitable local testing facilities.
