By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Lagos Office, has intensified efforts toward promoting local content development and import substitution through a strategic working visit to Interstreet Messenger Ltd, owners of the Zuki brand, a manufacturing and SME-focused company committed to local production and value addition.
The engagement formed part of RMRDC’s ongoing industry outreach initiative aimed at identifying sector-specific challenges, strengthening research–industry linkages, and supporting the transformation of locally sourced raw materials into competitive industrial products for both domestic and export markets.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the HESCOA Complex, Ajah, Lagos, was led by the Lagos State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mrs. Uchechukwu Ojiakor. Other members of the delegation included Mrs. Ebele Nwajuaku (AD), Mr. Sibigam Okoro (CIO), Dr. (Mrs.) Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi (PSO), and Mr. Matthew Odesanya (PIO).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ojiakor underscored the Council’s renewed commitment to deepening collaboration with industries, particularly in line with the proposed 30 per cent Value Addition Bill. She explained that RMRDC is strengthening engagements with manufacturing enterprises to ensure increased local processing of raw materials, thereby boosting industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, and reducing reliance on imported finished and semi-finished products.
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During the interaction, the Managing Director of Interstreet Messenger Ltd, Mr. Azuka Ijekeye, highlighted major operational and technological challenges confronting the company, especially in its drive to transform bamboo into high-quality engineered materials capable of competing with imported Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and High Density Fibreboard (HDF).
He noted that although bamboo is abundant in Nigeria and holds significant promise as a sustainable and renewable raw material, the lack of appropriate processing technologies and specialised equipment remains a major constraint to achieving industrial-scale production.
Mr. Ijekeye disclosed that the company has commenced a bamboo development project, with the first phase focusing on bamboo treatment to control moisture, enhance durability and reduce sugar content successfully completed. However, he explained that the project is currently at a critical stage, as the company awaits suitable equipment required to flatten and process bamboo into uniform panels — a key step in producing engineered board materials.
He therefore sought RMRDC’s support in process technology development, equipment design and technical guidance across the bamboo value chain, with the goal of producing standardised, high-quality boards that meet industry specifications. He also pointed out that some vital production inputs, particularly glues and adhesives, are still imported, thereby increasing production costs and underscoring the need for local alternatives.
Beyond production challenges, the Managing Director emphasised the company’s strong focus on youth empowerment and human capacity development. He revealed that Interstreet Messenger Ltd operates an intensive 18-month training programme combining classroom learning with practical industrial experience to equip young people with skills in manufacturing, processing and industrial design.
In response, RMRDC officials reiterated the Council’s role as a research-driven institution committed to addressing industry needs through targeted and demand-driven interventions. Mrs. Ojiakor affirmed RMRDC’s readiness to support industry-led innovation through applied research, technology development and strategic partnerships that promote local raw material utilisation, enhance manufacturing competitiveness and reduce import dependence.
The visit ended with a mutual commitment by both organisations to sustain collaboration, particularly in advancing bamboo-based industrial materials as cost-effective, sustainable and viable alternatives to imported products.
