By Henrietta Ude and Angelina Onyenwe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting industrial growth through the utilization of locally available raw materials resources at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair.
Speaking during the Council’s Special Day held on March 25, 2026, the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Edith Chibuzor Obi, emphasized the critical role of raw materials development in enhancing the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for sustaining the trade fair over the years and described the theme, “Empowering MSMEs for Global Competitiveness,” as timely and relevant.
According to her, RMRDC has, for nearly four decades, served as a catalyst for industrial development by promoting value addition and supporting local industries.
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She also highlighted the proposed 30 percent Value Addition Bill, currently awaiting presidential assent, noting that it would ensure that raw materials are not exported in crude form without significant processing, thereby boosting job creation and strengthening the economy.
Earlier, the President of ECCIMA, Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, commended RMRDC for its consistent participation in the trade fair and its contributions to Nigeria’s industrial development.
As part of its participation in the fair, RMRDC also showcased a variety of locally sourced raw materials and value-added products at its exhibition stand, attracting the interest of participants, investors, and other stakeholders.
The event featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders and concluded with a guided tour of the RMRDC exhibition stand. During the tour, the State Coordinator, Engr. Nkem Udeh, alongside members of staff, sensitized participants who visited the stand on the Council’s mandates and highlighted opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Participants were also invited to attend the Second African Raw Materials Summit, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 24, 2026. The Summit is a flagship event of the Council that brings together industrial players, key stakeholders in the raw materials sector, policymakers, financial institutions, and other relevant actors to foster growth and development of the raw materials sector for the economic transformation of the region.
