By Amuneke Godswill
In fulfilment of its mandate to promote the development and utilization of Nigeria’s raw materials, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) participated in a one-day capacity building workshop on “Strengthening Oil Palm Export Clusters for Global Competitiveness and Airfreighting.”
The event, held at the Aldgate Congress Hotel, was organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), South–South Regional Office, in collaboration with the NigerDelta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCTIMA) and ImpactHer.
The workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the oil palm export value chain, focusing on quality certifications, international standards, and market access requirements. Participants also gained practical insights into developing export markets particularly strategies for identifying, profiling, and engaging international buyers.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by the NEPC South–South Regional Coordinator, Arc. Benedict Itegbe, highlighted the Council’s efforts to reposition the South–South region as a competitive hub for value-added agro-exports. She noted that products such as oil palm, identified as one of Nigeria’s “One State, One Product” (OSOP) initiatives, can leverage the Port Harcourt International Airport for enhanced export competitiveness.
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Mrs. Ayeni further reiterated the NEPC’s core mandate of diversifying Nigeria’s export base, enhancing SME competitiveness, accelerating value addition, and expanding global market access through compliance, partnerships, and innovative logistics solutions.
In his goodwill message, the Rivers State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mr. Minzor–Ezekiel Kurotimipa, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to promoting the sustainable development of agro-based raw materials for industrial and economic growth. He emphasized Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and the vital role of the oil palm industry in food security and national development.
Mr. Minzor–Ezekiel also underscored the significance of the RMRDC Act Amendment Bill, 2022, describing it as a landmark step in Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda. The Bill mandates that no local raw material shall be exported without a minimum of 30% value addition. He announced that RMRDC has established a Raw Material and Product Testing and Certification Laboratory at its headquarters in Abuja to support manufacturers, users, and researchers with testing and certification services. This initiative, he noted, aims to safeguard local jobs, strengthen domestic processing industries, and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
Other highlights of the event included the presentation of certificates to women entrepreneurs who successfully completed the 90-day FERA Initiative Training Programme, goodwill messages from distinguished guests, and technical presentations by experts across the export value chain.
