By Seyi Otitoju, Hembadoon Ode
The Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyeluogo Martins Ike-Muonso, has expressed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) to boost production of agricultural raw materials resources and capacity development.
The DG made this known when a team from CERT, led by its Director, Professor Sunday A. Jonah, along with a Senior Research Fellow and Analyst of Nano Atomic Analysis Dr. Muhammad Tukura, recently paid a courtesy visit to RMRDC headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, to explore possible areas of collaboration between the Centre and the Council. Of particular interest to CERT is advancing agricultural productivity through the application of nuclear science and technology to improve agricultural outputs and to ensure food security in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The DG of RMRDC during the visit, noted that collaboration with CERT presents an opportunity to establish a standardized soil laboratory and other critical areas of technology and innovation in agro raw materials development. In expressing his commitment to initiating immediate cooperation between the Centre and the Council, the DG announced the formation of a committee to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions.
Speaking, Prof. Sunday Jona said that the Centre for Energy Research and Training is recognized as the nation’s premier nuclear institution, and it plays a pivotal role in promoting the use of nuclear science and technology across various sectors, including agriculture, health, manufacturing, geology, and the environment.
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He highlighted the Centre’s significant achievements since he assumed leadership in 2021. He elaborated on the Centre’s role in facilitating research on the nuclear reactor that was delivered to Nigeria in 1996 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the United States. This reactor, which had remained inactive for nearly 18 years, was reactivated and utilized for soil testing in four local government areas (LGAs) surrounding Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State. The tests aimed to improve soil fertility, agricultural yields, and enhance food security through advanced nuclear applications.
Dr. Tukura emphasized the Centre’s capabilities in providing specialized training for the Council’s staff. He explained that the Centre offers comprehensive academic programs, including hands-on practical sessions up to the postgraduate level, ensuring that graduates are proficient in applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Meanwhile, in his remark the Overseeing Director of the Minerals and Materials Development Department (MMDD), Engr. Christopher Okereke, suggested that the Centre and the Council could collaborate to explore and develop a robust strategy for utilizing the nation’s raw materials.
The need for a soil testing laboratory was also highlighted as a critical area for collaboration. The Deputy Director of the Food and Beverage Division, Mr. Sheriff, suggested that such a facility could help identify the best arable land for farming, contributing to higher agricultural yields. He also pointed to the growing importance of SMART agriculture in addressing climate-related challenges in the agricultural sector.
