By Gladys Ekpo-Ita
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development in Nigeria with active participation in the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic, held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Cross River State.
The event, which brought together top government officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, served as a strategic platform to address challenges facing MSMEs and explore opportunities for industrial and economic growth.
The Director-General/CEO of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, represented by the State Coordinator RMRDC Cross River State, Mr. Obot Anozeng Eteng in his speech during the preliminary session at the clinic emphasized the Council’s ongoing advocacy for value addition to Nigeria’s raw materials. He highlighted the recent passage of the RMRDC Act Amendment Bill, 2022 by the Nigerian Senate, which mandates that no raw material shall be exported without undergoing at least 30% value addition. This, he said, is a strategic safeguard for local jobs, manufacturing capacity, and Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
The State Coordinator alongside his dedicated team of staff used the forum to highlight RMRDC’s mandate in promoting the development, utilization, and value addition of Nigeria’s industrial raw materials.
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The clinic also attracted the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, signaling strong governmental commitment to MSME advancement.
In his address, the Vice President announced the disbursement of ₦250,000 unconditional grants to outstanding business owners in Cross River State, alongside the availability of a ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund designed to provide manufacturers with access to up to ₦1 billion at a 9% interest rate.
Beyond financial empowerment, the program facilitated capacity building sessions, networking opportunities, and access to regulatory agencies, including the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), to address compliance and quality standards.
The RMRDC delegation engaged with entrepreneurs and stakeholders, reinforcing the Council’s role as a key partner in Nigeria’s industrial growth journey. The participation aligns with ongoing national reforms aimed at reducing paperwork in public service operations and fostering a technology driven, innovation friendly MSME ecosystem.
The 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic concluded with renewed optimism for the future of small businesses in Cross River State and across Nigeria, with RMRDC positioned as a pivotal contributor to the nation’s raw materials and industrial development agenda.
