By Adeniyi Sakiru
The Ogun State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has intensified moves to strengthen public–private sector collaboration with a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), ahead of the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair 2026.
The visit, led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Rabiu B. O held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was aimed at reinforcing the long-standing partnership between both institutions, creating early awareness of the expected participation of the RMRDC Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike Muonso, and exploring new areas of collaboration in preparation for the trade fair. It also underscores the Council’s commitment to driving industrial growth, private sector development, and local content utilization in line with national development priorities.
The team was received by the president of OGUNCCIMA, Mr. Niyi Oshiyemi, who acknowledged the cordial and productive working relationship that has existed between RMRDC and OGUNCCIMA over the years. He commended the proactive efforts of the RMRDC State Coordinator in facilitating the engagement and reaffirmed OGUNCCIMA’s commitment to continued collaboration.

He explained that the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair 2026 is scheduled to hold from 6th – 16th February 2026 at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Kobape Road, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He noted that it is a strategic platform for RMRDC as it provides viable platform for showcasing Nigeria’s abundant local raw materials, engaging key industry stakeholders, and advancing the Council’s mandate on industrial development, value addition, and sustainable raw materials utilization.
In his remarks, the RMRDC State Coordinator expressed appreciation to the leadership of OGUNCCIMA for their sustained efforts in promoting trade, investment, and industrial development through the annual Gateway International Trade Fair. He stated that the visit was undertaken to formally notify OGUNCCIMA of the forthcoming participation of the RMRDC Director-General at the Fair and to discuss exhibition and sponsorship arrangements. He further reaffirmed the commitment of Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike Muonso and the Council to supporting initiatives that promote local content development, enhance industrial raw materials utilization, stimulate enterprise growth, and drive private sector-led industrialization in line with national economic development objectives.
In his response, the Chairman of OGUNCCIMA, Elder Olatunji Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to RMRDC for its interest in the Fair and highlighted the various participation options available to stakeholders, including indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. He noted that individual sponsorship packages offer greater visibility and strategic value for participating organizations. The Secretary of OGUNCCIMA, Mr. Wakeel Olaniyan, assured the delegation that the 2026 edition of the Gateway International Trade Fair would be more impactful than previous editions, with improved organization and increased stakeholder participation.







