In order to minimise incessant closure of manufacturing firms in the category of micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises, arising from struggle over raw materials sourcing, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has showcased available raw materials, while calling on MSMEs to seek assistance from the council when in need.
During the just concluded Nigerian Raw Materials Exposition otherwise called NIRAM Expo, held last week, the agency agglomerated raw materials providers such as Nycil Limited, Supertex Limited, Ruchim Limited and Spectra Industries Limited. Others are Nigerian Cassava Growers Association, Matna Foods Company and Goshen Exquisite Marble, among others, who demonstrated how to use such inputs to manufacture products.
These firms showcased industrial raw materials such as starch, chemicals for paints and printing, cassava, sold mineral products, among others.
Abdu Bulama, minister for science and technology, said Nigeria has 44 solid minerals in commercial quantity and is a leading player in a number of commodities that can be used to maximum by MSME manufacturers.
According to Bulama, the ministry, through RMRDC, is pursuing programmes and innovations geared towards using local potential and strength to build capacities technologically to accelerate industrial growth and development.
He said the MSMEs, which form the majority of resource-based manufacturing industries in the country, have been unable to grow at the same pace as conglomerates, resulting in huge local resources being left untapped, while some are exported without value addition, thus leading to massive job losses and raw materials importation.
“Technology has been identified as an important factor in driving non-oil sector growth. Both for enhancing increased production and value addition to natural resources, as well as in facilitating productivity in service sector, technology has become an indispensable catalyst in promoting innovation, competitiveness and export in the non-oil sector of the economy,” he said.
Walid Jibrin, chairman, governing board, RMRDC, said raw materials exposition of that kind was geared towards empowering the growth of MSMEs, while bridging the wide gap between resource potential and economic performance.
Bhaskar Namrarv, research and development manager, Nycil Limited, said it is important for MSME manufacturers to identify where inputs are sourced. According to him, Nycil provides raw materials and chemicals for the printing industry, making coating paints and printing inks.
ODINAKA ANUDU
