The Nigerian Federal Government aims to elevate the value addition of the nation’s raw materials from 25% to about 60%, signifying a significant leap in enhancing the country’s industrial sector. This declaration was made by Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST), during a discussion forum held by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in Abuja. Participants from the science and technology industries, together with key donor organisations and development collaborators, gathered at the event, highlighting the extensive backing for this project.
Nnaji expresses that the goal of reaching 60% value addition represents a vivid aspiration for Nigeria’s future, where natural resources will not be shipped overseas in their unrefined state. Rather, these materials will be refined and enhanced locally, thereby increasing their worth before entering the international marketplace. He highlighted that this strategy presents significant opportunities not just for boosting the nation’s Economy but also for fostering a strong and self-reliant industrial foundation that will serve the interests of every Nigerian.
Policymakers, researchers, and industry members must collaborate.
Reaching their goal will create a solid basis for extensive economic uplift and decreased poverty. He emphasised that the RMRDC and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are developing a detailed 10-year strategy to realise this transformation. This plan delineates a straightforward approach to boosting value addition in raw materials, which is crucial for Nigeria’s industrial advancement moving forward. Nnaji urged all attendees and involved parties to actively back the government’s initiatives aimed at building essential skills required to initiate a new phase in the use of raw materials.
He emphasised that the achievement of the initiative relies on the combined efforts and input of everyone participating, such as policymakers, researchers, and industry members. Their support will accelerate their progress toward the goal. In line with this vision, the Federal Government intends to roll out a national plan to enhance competitiveness in raw material sourcing and product Innovation nationwide. This approach will establish a structure to improve Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture products capable of competing internationally, thereby reinforcing the nation’s role as a significant participant in the global raw materials industry.
Various key actions were included in the council’s strategic plan.
Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director-General of RMRDC, shared the minister’s views, highlighting the council’s dedication to emerging as a leading force in Africa’s raw materials research and development sector. He noted that the gathering aimed to present the council’s ongoing initiatives and projects while also seeking technical funding and other avenues to realise the decade-long roadmap. According to Ike-Muonso, the inaugural event of the RMRDC’s program and discussion series marks the beginning of an initiative focused on advancing continental leadership within the raw materials landscape.
Also, the council’s strategic plan encompasses various key actions, including enhancing skills in Sustainability and reuse, creating databases alongside management information systems (MIS), and improving laboratories for raw material testing and technology innovation workshops. These efforts aim to establish Nigeria as a frontrunner in enhancing the value of raw materials and fostering industrial growth. Esuabana Asanye, the Permanent Secretary of FMIST, highlighted the significance of the dialogue session, stating that it offers a crucial opportunity to engage in discussions regarding the National Strategy for enhancing competitiveness in raw materials and product innovation.
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She stressed the necessity for robust cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve the government’s objectives, underscoring the critical nature of well-defined responsibilities in creating policies, legal structures, and industry results. Asanye emphasised the importance of collaboration in reaching the nation’s objectives. She noted that with strong dedication and teamwork from every party involved, Nigeria has the potential to boost significantly its industrial strength and generate fresh avenues for Economic Expansion and progress. This will strengthen domestic industries, alleviate poverty, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the international arena.