By Adaora Adibe
In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s industrial raw materials sector, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has officially launched the Nigeria Raw Materials Information Management System (NRMIMS) and the Raw Materials E-Registration Portal (RMe-regP).
These platforms are designed to provide comprehensive data on raw materials’ availability, location, and industrial potential across the country, thereby enhancing informed decision-making for investors, stakeholders, manufacturers, and policymakers.
During the unveiling, the Hon. Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology (FMIST) Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji applauded the initiative by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). He observed that the NRMIMS is a critical milestone in harnessing Nigeria’s raw materials for industrial growth, economic diversification, and sustainable development in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This initiative directly contributes to diversification, job creation, and economic industrialization, strengthening local production and positioning Nigeria competitively in the global industrial space”, the Minister stated.
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He explained that Nigeria is rich in natural resources, yet challenges such as data gaps and poor integration hinder optimal utilization. According to him, this lack of accurate, accessible data on raw material reserves, quality, and locations has led to inefficiencies, high import dependence, and reduced investor confidence.
The Minister said the system is open to industries, investors, researchers, policymakers, and all relevant stakeholders enabling them to access crucial data to drive national industrialization and economic growth.
Presenting the keynote address, the Hon. Minister for State Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Sen. John Owen Enoh said the initiative is critical to the growth of industries in Nigeria as raw materials remain the fuel for industries.
He informed that the Ministry will offer the necessary assistance to drive this great milestone initiative.
In his welcome address, the Director General, RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso expressed his delight to everyone who came to grace the occasion and informed that his leadership is intentional in setting a transformative trajectory for Nigeria’s economic sustainability by harnessing the nation’s abundant raw materials though the NRMIMS and the RMe-regP.
Prof. Nnanyelugo stated that the platforms are expected to pave the way for industrial growth, reduced import dependency, and a thriving, self-reliant economy.
“The development will significantly impact the growth and success of the RMRDC 10-year roadmap which was incorporated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to ensure that Nigeria’s Raw Materials Sector aligns with Continental and global best practices. The NRMIMS covers critical and strategic raw materials: Agricultural, solid minerals and secondary raw materials”, the DG stated.
He said the success of the NRMIMS lies in critical stakeholders making necessary data available and therefore urged government agencies, institutions, stakeholders etc to collaborate with RMRDC by working together and re-enforcing the real-time database system.
During the presentation of the goodwill messages, the Industry experts, CEO’s of organizations etc lauded this development, noting that the NRMIMS and E-Registration Portal will play crucial roles in promoting local processing, boosting the nation’s GDP, and creating a chain of economic activities. By bridging the information gap, these platforms position Nigeria as a reliable hub for industrial raw materials, strengthening the country’s global competitive advantage in value-added exports.
Among the Director- Generals of organisations who participated was the DG of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA), Prof. Mathew O. Adepoju who applauded the initiative and referred to the DG RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike- Muonso as a game changer for championing such a great initiative. He said he looks forward to Nigeria ranking among the first 10 in raw materials development in the future and emphasized that the space agency has a program in their Agency that could support the development and complement the NRMIMS, which is called the National Industrial Data Infrastructure.
The high point of the event was the demonstration of the NRMIMS platform by Prof Bernard Odoh and his team who developed the database site. They gave a good illustration of all the analytical tools that are of importance to stakeholders etc while also emphasizing that the data are not exhaustive because the system is still in the foundational stage. He said they are, however, working to give the best.
The event was graced by many other individuals and organizations including the DG of SMEDAN, Representatives of the Nigeria Customs Services, Dauno Integrated Limited, Exporters, importers, analyzers etc
Presenting her vote of thanks, the Director, Planning, Statistics and Policy Department, Mrs. Rachael Kotso thanked everyone for honouring the occasion especially the Minister of FMIST, Chief Uche Nnaji for the huge support and the DG RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso for been a force to reckon with in ensuring the NRMIMS came to limelight.
