By Otoikhila Emmanuel
As part of ongoing efforts to promote value addition in Nigeria’s agricultural and solid minerals sectors, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has called on the Committee of Heads of Federal Establishments (COHEADS) in Edo State to intensify their commitment to local resource development for national economic growth.
This advocacy took center stage during the third quarter COHEADS meeting, held on August 5, 2025, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall, Benin City. Representing the Council at the meeting was the Acting State Coordinator, Engr. Otoikhila O. Emmanuel, who sensitized the heads of federal agencies on the urgent need to shift away from the exportation of raw agro and solid mineral materials without value addition.
Engr. Otoikhila emphasized that exporting raw materials deprives the country of economic benefits, job opportunities, and technological advancement. “Rather than creating wealth for other nations through unprocessed exports, Nigeria must focus on building its wealth by processing raw materials locally. This is central to RMRDC’s mandate of enhancing local content development and driving sustainable industrial growth,” he stated.
During the interactive session, Mrs. Namelkem Caroline of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) inquired about how the proposed 30% value addition requirement would be assessed. Engr. Otoikhila explained that once the bill is assented to by the President, specific implementation guidelines will be issued. He urged all federal establishments to extend this awareness to their respective ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure proper understanding and preparedness ahead of the bill’s passage into law.
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He also highlighted the numerous incentives being introduced by RMRDC to encourage investment in Edo State, including a Federal Government-backed authority allowing the Council to offer tax incentives to industries utilizing local raw materials. Engr. Otoikhila called on agencies to take advantage of these policies and engage in industrial-driven research to strengthen indigenous production capacity.
In his remarks, Dr. Bakare of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) applauded RMRDC’s initiative, noting that the 30% value addition policy—if well implemented—would significantly enhance economic development in the state and across Nigeria. “Our institute has closely followed the progress of the bill because we believe it holds great promise for the nation’s economy and indigenous technological advancement,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of COHEADS and Edo State Coordinator of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Mr. James Osasere Orumwase, commended RMRDC’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods. “This is a commendable stride towards true industrialization. If strategically implemented, this initiative can transform Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
Mr. Orumwase thanked Engr. Otoikhila for bringing such critical national development information to the fore, urging all COHEADS members to act as ambassadors in spreading the message across their respective establishments.
