By Mbaramah Precious
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Imo State Coordinating Office, has expressed readiness to partner with CEEN Food Industries, a leading agro-processing company in Imo State, to strengthen local food production and enhance industrial growth.
The visit, which took place on October 8, 2025, was led by the State Coordinator, Mr. David Enemuo, who noted that the engagement was aimed at assessing the company’s operations, identifying potential areas of collaboration, and exploring ways to support its expansion through research and technical interventions.
CEEN Food Industries, founded by Prof. Emmanuel Nwanekezi, a distinguished professor of Food Science with expertise in Food Engineering and Food Microbiology, is renowned for its innovative range of products including fortified baby food, bean powder, odourless fufu, instant fufu, and high-quality cassava flour. The company stands out for its commitment to using locally sourced raw materials and fabricated equipment, an approach that aligns with RMRDC’s mandate to promote indigenous raw material utilization.
Prof. Nwanekezi also revealed that ongoing research efforts are focused on further improving the quality of the company’s odourless and instant fufu flour products in preparation for large-scale commercialization.
During the visit, the RMRDC delegation gained first-hand insight into CEEN Food Industries’ production processes and identified possible areas for partnership. However, discussions also highlighted several operational challenges confronting the company, such as inconsistent raw material supply, high production costs, and limited access to modern equipment and financing.
In response, RMRDC State Coordinator, Mr. David Enemuo, pledged technical and advisory support, including facilitating linkages with local cassava producers, providing research collaboration opportunities, and assisting in securing modern packaging facilities. These interventions are expected to enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and boost the company’s market competitiveness.
The visit reinforces the critical role of public-private partnerships in fostering industrial growth and achieving national food security. With RMRDC’s proposed support, CEEN Food Industries is well-positioned to scale its operations and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency and sustainable economic development.







