By Jamila Shuaibu
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has hosted another edition of its lecture series on Friday, 27th February 2026, at the council’s headquarters in Abuja. The lecture titled “Digital Transformation and Data-Driven Supply Chains in Nigeria: Leveraging AI, Blockchain and IoT Best Practices” was presented by Engr. Mathew Onome Akhabue, a lecturer, Mechatronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa, Nassarawa State.
The lecture focused on the importance of digital technology and how its adoption will improve Nigeria’s raw materials sector and supply chains.
According to Engr. Mathew, Nigeria still depends heavily on imported industrial materials, while poor logistics, manual processes, and limited digital systems increases costs, about 30 to 40 percent of agricultural produce are lost post harvest as a result of weak storage and supply chain systems.
He explained that digital tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the likes can help reduce/transform waste, improve transparency, and strengthen trust in supply chains. These technologies can also help Nigeria compete globally, attract investment, and support economic diversification.
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Engr. Mathew went further to give examples of countries like India, Canada, and Australia and showed how digital systems has improved efficiency, traceability, and productivity in agriculture and mining sectors in these countries adding that Nigeria could achieve similar results by adopting these technologies.
He noted that ithe system will enable RMRDC to creates a National raw material digital intelligence platform which will reduce losses of both agro and mineral raw materials, enhance inventor’s confidence, and support African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He therefore advised RMRDC to upgrade its data systems using digital tools to enjoy the numerous benefits and increase the raw materials sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
On his part, the DG/CEO of RMRDC, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso urged stakeholders to support the 30% value addition bill that is currently awaiting presidential assent as it is essential to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
He revealed that the council is developing what he called “the biggest data base in Nigeria” with support from UNIDO. The data base will serve as knowledge resource for researchers and it’s scheduled for official launch in March this year.
The DG also emphasized that “there’s no waste in waste” noting that waste is valuable resource that can be converted into new materials for another industrial purpose.
He also disclosed that all lectures delivered under the “RMRDC Lecture Series” will be compiled into a paper and published by May this year.
Prof Ike-Muonso also expressed his appreciation to Engr. Mathew Akhabue for delivering an insightful presentation. He also called on blockchain professionals willing to collaborate with RMRDC to reach out as such partnerships are vital for advancing digital transformation in Nigeria’s raw materials sector.
Digital transformation is key to building efficient supply chains, transforming waste, and supporting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
