Nigeria is on the path of transformative industrial era - RMRDC DG

Nigeria is on the verge of a new era, anchored on innovation and resourcefulness, according to Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

The DG, in his remarks at the Investors Forum on Commercialisation of Indigenous Technologies held at the Council’s Research and Demonstration Plant Complex (RDPC) in Abuja, noted that the country is poised to transition from a raw material exporter to a producer of value-added goods.

“Fifty years ago, the vision of an industrialised Nigeria appeared to be a distant dream, hindered by resource dependency and an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. But today, I see a Nigeria on the verge of a new era, one anchored on the innovation and resourcefulness of our people,” he said.

The DG highlighted the Council’s significant investments in research and development, and the demonstration of technologies to facilitate Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He announced that several transformative technologies were ready for commercial scale-up, including castor oil processing, plaster of Paris, artemisia annua extraction, soap noodles production, and caustic soda.

“This forum is more than an exhibition of successful pilot projects,” Ike-Muonso continued. “It is a call to action. We invite industrialists and investors to engage with our experts, witness live demonstrations, and evaluate the strong investment case these technologies present”, he added.

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The DG also highlighted the significance of the 30% Value Addition Bill, which had passed the Senate, awaiting concurrent action in the Federal House of Representatives.

Also speaking, Mohammed Lawal Buga underscored the role of R&D commercialisation in driving societal progress and economic expansion.

The event featured a tour of the RDPC facilities, where participants expressed satisfaction at the scale and sophistication of the equipment and processes developed.

“We have made significant strides in research and development,” said Chukwuma Ngaha, director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs.

“The DG has not left any stone unturned in ensuring RMRDC plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s industrial transformation.”

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.