By Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, has declared that Nigeria stands at the threshold of a transformative industrial era, driven by innovation, indigenous technology, and resourcefulness.
Speaking at the Investors Forum on the Commercialisation of Indigenous Technologies, held at the Council’s Research and Demonstration Plant Complex (RDPC) in Abuja, Prof. Ike-Muonso said the forum aimed to spotlight viable, homegrown technologies developed at the RDPC and promote their adoption on a commercial scale.
“Fifty years ago, the vision of an industrialised Nigeria seemed distant, hampered by resource dependency and an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. But today, I see a Nigeria on the brink of a new era—one anchored on the innovation and resourcefulness of our people,” he stated.
The DG noted that RMRDC has remained committed to its mandate of harnessing Nigeria’s vast raw material base to drive sustainable industrial growth. According to him, the Council has invested extensively in research, development, and technology demonstration to shift Nigeria from an exporter of raw materials to a producer of value-added goods.
He revealed that several indigenous technologies are now ready for commercial scale-up, including: Castor Oil Processing, Plaster of Paris (POP), Artemisia annua Extraction, Soap Noodles Productionand Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
“This forum is more than just an exhibition of successful pilot projects,” Prof. Ike-Muonso said. “It is a call to action. We invite industrialists and investors to engage with our experts, witness live demonstrations, and evaluate the strong investment potential of these technologies. We are open to private sector collaborations, technical partnerships, and joint ventures to scale these innovations both nationally and globally.”
He also emphasized the potential impact of the 30% Value Addition Bill, which has passed the Senate and awaits concurrence in the House of Representatives. The legislation, once enacted, is expected to significantly boost local content and value addition across Nigeria’s raw materials ecosystem.
Earlier, Mr. Adamu Yaro Mohammed, Director of the Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department and head of RDPC, highlighted the Centre’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation. He urged participants to explore the commercial and technical viability of the showcased technologies.
The event featured technical presentations, including one by Dr. Mohammed Lawal Buga titled “Commercialisation of Research and Development Outputs.” He emphasized that while research is a tool for discovery and problem-solving, commercialisation is the bridge linking innovation to industry—enabled by the “Triple Helix” model, which connects academia, government, and the private sector.
Another presentation, “Unlocking Wealth from Within: Commercialising Indigenous Technologies for Raw Materials Processing in Nigeria,” by Dr. Obekpa, underscored the untapped potential within Nigeria’s research and development ecosystem. He showcased innovations from key institutions, including:
RMRDC: Acha processing machines, bamboo pulp line, ceramic kiln
FIIRO: Bread improver, cassava flash dryer, soy milk production system
NASENI: Solar inverters, agricultural sprayers, foundry technology
PRODA: Gas cookers, ceramic tiles, industrial dryers
NCAM: Palm oil expellers, rice threshers
Dr. Obekpa also acknowledged the policy and funding challenges hindering commercialisation and called for stronger institutional support.
Several stakeholders in attendance—including representatives from NACCIMA, NEXIM Bank, NEPC, and MSMEs—commended RMRDC’s progress and advocated broader media engagement to raise public awareness.
In his remarks, Mr. Chukwuma Ngaha, Director of Corporate Affairs, praised the DG’s leadership, noting that RMRDC has initiated strategic programmes aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s raw material value chains.
The forum concluded with a guided tour of the RDPC facilities. Participants expressed admiration for the scale, sophistication, and innovation on display, and called for increased national attention and investment in the Council’s initiatives.
While giving votes of thanks Deputy Director of RDPC, Mr. Muktar, appreciated all participants for their support and active engagement.
