By Augustin Shiaka
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinating Office, has commended the commissioning of the newly upgraded Rice Paddy Grading Laboratory in Abuja, describing it as a major boost for Nigeria’s rice value chain and food security agenda.
The commissioning ceremony, hosted by the Department of Agribusiness and Market Development, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, took place at the Conference Hall, Fadama House, Wuse II, drawing a wide array of stakeholders from government, private sector, development partners, and farmers’ associations.
In his welcome address, the Director of the host department highlighted the strategic importance of the facility in enhancing rice quality standards, strengthening value addition, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders including the Directors of the FDA and PCU, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), the President of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) group, and the RMRDC FCT State Coordinator, Mr. O. Olajubu.
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Mr. Olajubu, in his remarks, extended the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso’s regards and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering research, innovation, and the industrial utilization of Nigeria’s agricultural raw materials, particularly rice. He noted that the upgraded laboratory aligns with the Council’s mission to drive local content development in support of national economic diversification and food self-sufficiency.
The ceremony’s highlight was the keynote address and formal commissioning of the facility by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who also led a guided demonstration of the lab’s modern grading equipment. The upgraded facility is expected to improve rice quality control, facilitate market access for farmers, and support sustainable agribusiness practices.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chief Administrative Officer (Monitoring & Field), who praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in realizing the project.
The RMRDC delegation, led by Mr. Olajubu, expressed confidence that the laboratory will serve as a model for future investments in agricultural infrastructure and value chain development across the country.
