By Adaora Adibe, Nafisat Abdulrahman, Akpotha Judith
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has inaugurated the HS-Code Sub-Committee on Reduction of Imports of Raw Materials and Products aimed on leveraging the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) to identify priority areas for import substitution and strengthen local manufacturing as well as to support Nigeria’s drive towards industrial self-sufficiency.
The inauguration held recently at the RMRDC Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by some Senior management staff of the Council as well as experts in the field.
Presenting the keynote address, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyeluogo Martins Ike-Muonso, who was represented by the Director, National Competitiveness Strategy and Special Projects, Dr. Valerie Ehimiaghe emphasized the importance of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw materials. He noted that the HS-Code framework plays a crucial role in streamlining customs processes, improving tax assessments, and reducing regulatory delays.
“This sub-committee underscores our commitment to harnessing the potential of the HS Code framework to drive industrial growth and economic self-reliance. By meticulously analyzing import data and aligning it with our industrial capabilities, we can significantly reduce unnecessary imports while boosting domestic manufacturing,” he stated.
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The DG further highlighted the strategy of the mandate for a minimum of 30% value addition on all raw materials before export to protect Nigeria’s natural resources, he added that “the Multi-disciplinary Task Force (MTF) has already laid the groundwork by identifying key sectors requiring technological upgrades and capacity building”, noting that the “sub-committee will complement those efforts by providing actionable insights into how HS Codes can be utilized to support compliance with the 30% value addition requirement”.
Prof. Ike-Muonso said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision for industrialization and economic diversification. He also referenced the upcoming 2025 African Raw Materials Summit, scheduled for May in Abuja, which will bring together stakeholders from all over Africa to discuss the future of Africa’s Raw Materials.
The DG urged members of the sub-committee who were further divided into five groups to approach their task with dedication and innovation, emphasizing that their work will position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s industrial transformation.
The Director, of National Competitiveness Strategy and Special Projects, Dr. Valerie Ehimiaghe while inaugurating the Sub-Committee members commended the Deputy Director Raw Materials Substitution and Trade Facilitation Division, Mrs. Fausta Ogbuefi for the uniqueness, youthfulness and vibrancy of the selected members. She prayed for wisdom, knowledge and understanding to enable the members to carry out the job as she expects results and the best from them.
The event also featured a technical workshop on HS Code classification, import reduction strategies, and data collection tools for the sub-committee operations by the Deputy Director Process and Equipment Maintenance Division (PEMD) Research and Demonstration Plant Complex Engr. Ettu Obassi and Head of Audit, Mr. Smart Osuoha.
