By Oyajimi Monsuru
In preparation for its upcoming Stakeholders-Investors’ Forum, the Ogun State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) engaged members of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) during their monthly general meeting in Abeokuta recently.
Representing the RMRDC State Coordinator, was a Principal Scientific Officer, Mr. K.M. Oyajimi highlighted the Council’s initiatives to boost industrialization through local raw material utilization. Mr. Oyajimi reiterated the Council’s role in promoting industrial development and self-reliance through the optimal use of local raw materials. He emphasized RMRDC’s SME-based collaborations, aimed at enhancing value addition and domestic resource utilization.
A major focus was the Raw Materials (30% Value Addition Before Export) Bill, currently undergoing legislative processes. Having passed its second reading, the bill seeks to strengthen local industries and boost Nigeria’s economic prosperity. Mr. Oyajimi urged NASSI members to support and leverage the policy once enacted.
Speaking on forthcoming RMRDC Investors’ Forum, an initiative of the Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, which is to be held across all 36 states and the FCT which Ogun State will focus on Cassava Value Chain Development. Mr Oyejimi observed that Ogun State is one of the highest cassava-producing states in Nigeria. Mr. Oyajimi assured participants that modalities, dates, and invitations would be communicated through NASSI and other stakeholders’ secretariats.
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The representative of the NASSI State Chairman Mr. Tunde Odumusi, commended RMRDC’s efforts, describing the 30% Value Addition Bill as a “game-changer” for small-scale industrialization. He pledged the association’s full participation in the forum and promised to submit a formal letter of intent to the RMRDC office.
The Stakeholders-Investors’ Forum will bring together: Government agencies, Private sector players, Research institutions and Financial institutions, including local fabricators. The engagement reinforced RMRDC’s commitment to industrial growth and NASSI’s readiness to collaborate, setting the stage for a productive forum that will drive investment in Ogun State’s cassava sector.
