By Janet Essien & Chioma Onunka
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Akwa Ibom State Office, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting industrial growth and local raw materials development through strategic collaboration with the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI).
This was made known during a courtesy visit by officials of NASSI to the RMRDC State Office in Uyo, where both organisations discussed opportunities for partnership in entrepreneurship development, value addition, and sustainable industrialization in the State.
Receiving the delegation, the State Coordinator of RMRDC, Akwa Ibom Mr. Akpan A. James emphasized the critical role of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in economic growth, employment generation, and industrial transformation. He noted that the Council remains focused on its mandate of promoting the development and utilization of local raw materials, encouraging value addition, supporting import substitution, and facilitating the establishment of raw material-based industries across the country.
According to him, collaboration with NASSI would further strengthen local production value chains and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to harness the abundant raw materials available in Akwa Ibom State.
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He encouraged members of the association to embrace value addition and modern processing techniques capable of improving the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in both local and international markets. He also advised industrialists to identify areas of comparative advantage within their local government areas and develop viable production systems around available raw materials.
The RMRDC State Coordinator further stressed the importance of unity and cooperative production among small-scale industrialists, noting that collective efforts would enhance their chances of accessing government intervention programmes, grants, and industrial support initiatives.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of NASSI appreciated the warm reception accorded to the delegation and commended the Council for its continuous efforts towards promoting industrial and economic development. He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to work closely with RMRDC in advancing entrepreneurship and local manufacturing within the State.
During the interactive session, members of the association raised concerns regarding inadequate support for small-scale industrial projects, limited access to modern production techniques, and challenges in securing financial assistance for industrial development.
Responding to the issues raised, the State Coordinator explained that the Council’s activities extend beyond agro and primary raw materials to include secondary and industrial raw materials development. He also disclosed that RMRDC facilitates industrial linkages, promotes cluster-based production systems, disseminates technical information, and connects producers with relevant institutions and raw material sources.
The delegation also sought guidance on livestock feed production, agro-processing opportunities, and access to machinery for small-scale processing activities. In response, the State Coordinator encouraged members to develop commercially viable and innovation-driven projects capable of attracting institutional support and investment opportunities.
As part of efforts to promote awareness and investment, the State Coordinator revealed his plans by the Council to establish a structured display platform within the Resource Centre of the State Office, where raw materials and locally manufactured products from different local government areas would be showcased.
The visit ended with a guided tour of the Council’s Resource and Display Centre in the office, where participants were exposed to various locally sourced raw materials and value-added products. Both organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration would contribute significantly to industrialization, entrepreneurship development, and economic diversification in Akwa Ibom State.
