By Ahmed Munirat
In a bid to deepen institutional synergy and promote sustainable industrial development in the Federal Capital Territory, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), FCT Coordinating Office, paid a strategic visit to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) at the Chamber’s Trade Fair Complex on Airport Road, Abuja.
Led by the FCT State Coordinator, Mr. Olajubu Olatubosun, the RMRDC team engaged with the ACCI leadership to explore potential partnerships in the area of raw materials value chain development, particularly within the context of industrial extension services, entrepreneurship support, and MSME empowerment.
The meeting was hosted by the Director General of the Chamber, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, who was accompanied by top executives including the Director, Business Enterprise, Skill & Technology, Dr. Tinuke Temitope; Team Lead, Media & Strategy Centre, Mrs. Olayemi John-Mensah; Director, Abuja Trade Centre, Mr. Ezekwesili Nnam, and Director, Dispute Resolution Unit Mrs. Hauwa K. Usman.
Mr. Jideani welcomed the RMRDC delegation warmly, noting that it was the first time the FCT Office of the Council had initiated such a direct visit, as previous engagements were typically held at the Council’s national headquarters. He lauded the initiative, emphasizing the Chamber’s readiness to collaborate more actively with RMRDC, especially on strategic programs that align with private sector development, policy advocacy, and AfCFTA-driven trade opportunities.
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Mr. Olajubu introduced the RMRDC delegation and expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He outlined the Council’s mandate which includes promotion of raw materials development, support for research and innovation, facilitation of industry-research linkages, and policy advisory roles. He emphasized the Council’s ongoing projects, such as the ginger value chain initiative, trade exhibitions, and industrial extension services, as vital components of Nigeria’s industrialization efforts.
The Coordinator used the opportunity to formally invite ACCI to the event of the Investors’ Forum on Industrial Utilization of Ginger Value Chains and its Economic Potentials in the FCT, holding 7th–8th July 2025.
Mr. Jideani, in his response, expressed the Chamber’s eagerness to play an active role in the event and commended RMRDC for its proactive outreach. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between research institutions and the private sector to drive inclusive growth.
The parties came to agreements to establish formal collaboration amomg them, draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ACCI to be fully involved in the Ginger Value Chain Investors’ Forum and for RMRDC FCT Office to participate in the ACCI Trade Fair and Exhibition starting 25th September – 6th October 2025.
The meeting ended on a cordial note with the presentation of official letters of invitation and a concept note by Mr. Olajubu to Mr. Jideani. A group photograph was taken to commemorate the successful collaboration session.
This landmark engagement marks a significant step in aligning public and private sector efforts towards achieving raw material-based industrial growth in Nigeria.
