By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi & Matthew Odesanya
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Lagos Coordination Office has sought a strategic collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to organize a high-level Stakeholders’ Forum on Value addition and Product Development in the fruits and vegetables value chain. The proposed forum is expected to bring together key stakeholders in the value chain to include raw material suppliers, processors, manufacturers, researchers, investors, policymakers and development partners to explore innovative approaches to product development, value addition and sustainable growth within the fruits and vegetables sector.
The initiative was presented by the RMRDC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Uchechukwu Ojiakor, during an engagement between RMRDC Lagos Coordination Office delegation and the Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, at MAN House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, Ojiakor explained that the visit by RMRDC was undertaken to solicit MAN’s partnership in organizing the proposed stakeholders’ forum, noting that the association occupies a strategic position in advancing industrial development in Nigeria. She noted that stronger institutional partnerships are critical to driving sustainable value addition across agricultural value chains and unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s agro-processing industry. According to her, the proposed forum would serve as a platform for stakeholders to identify existing gaps, exchange ideas and formulate practical strategies for converting fresh fruits and vegetables into high-value products capable of competing in domestic and international markets.
Responding, the Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, described the initiative as timely and consistent with Nigeria’s industrialization agenda. He noted that product development and value addition are vital for economic diversification, increased utilization of locally sourced raw materials and the expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity.
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Ajayi-Kadir further stated the need to strengthen linkages between the agricultural and industrial sectors, observing that the fruits and vegetables value chain offers considerable opportunities for manufacturers, investors, farmers and processors. He emphasized that the proposed forum should produce tangible outcomes, stating that policy recommendations contained in the communiqué expected at the end of the event would contribute to shaping national policy and ensuring effective implementation of agreed measures.
Deliberations between both organizations at the meeting focused on the objectives, scope and expected impact of the proposed forum, with emphasis on innovative product development, tackling constraints in raw material sourcing and processing, as well as policy issues affecting value addition in the fruits and vegetables industry. The meeting also discussed mechanisms for mobilizing relevant stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, manufacturing companies, farming groups, development organizations and the investment community to ensure broad participation and sustained impact.
The RMRDC Lagos Coordination Office also included an Assistant Director, Mrs. Ebele Nwajuaku; Principal Scientific Officers, Dr. (Mrs.) Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi and Principal Investment Officer, Mr. Matthew Odesanya.
