2 months ago
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Raw Materials Research and Development Council
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council is set to launch a comprehensive raw materials database this month, a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness and providing crucial information to investors and manufacturers.
This was revealed by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, during the council’s 100 days in office celebration in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, Ike-Muonso emphasised the significance of the database, stating, “The database for raw materials that we’re compiling doesn’t exist anywhere in Nigeria, as it is today. We are providing both technical and investment information, and you can quote me anywhere. This is not just point data; we’re providing robust, well-specified information on each raw material, including its economic value.”
The database is expected to serve as a vital tool for investors, offering detailed insights into the availability, exploitation potential, and economic value of various raw materials across Nigeria.
“We have solids, agricultural, and mineral raw materials included,” the DG explained.
“We’re even determining the extent of exploitation of each raw material in every location, along with associated risks and tax policies to guide investment,” he added.
This initiative aligns with the council’s broader strategy to shift its research focus towards industrial relevance and commercialization.
Ike-Muonso underscored the need for research that directly feeds into the needs of the industrial sector, stating, “We were not set up to do blue sky research. We want research that will be accepted by the market. The new template we’ve introduced ensures that our research is geared towards market acceptance and industrial competitiveness.”
He further elaborated on the council’s ambitious target, revealing plans to secure at least 200 patents within 24 months.
“The way you can feed into that is to ensure you have research that is easily commercializable. We want research that the industries can accept and that will contribute to industrial competitiveness,” he said.
Ike-Muonso highlighted the importance of the new research template, which has already been circulated to universities across the country with the support of the Nigerian Universities Commission.
“The speed of proposals has slowed down because people now have to think properly. They must ensure that the proposals will make sense, be acceptable by industries, and contribute to industrial competitiveness,” he noted.
The RMRDC is also looking beyond traditional funding sources to support its initiatives. Ike-Muonso mentioned plans to engage donor partners and diplomatic missions at an event on October 9, where the council will present its programmes and explore potential collaborations.
“We hope that if it’s successful, we will have substantial commitments that will help in funding some of the initiatives we have lined up,” he said.
As the launch of the raw materials database approaches, the RMRDC aims to position itself as the final authority on raw material data provision in Nigeria.
“We want all peoples of the world to come to us for information on raw materials,” he declared.
“This database will play a critical role in guiding investors to exploitable raw materials and reducing the need for imports of resources that are readily available within the country,” he added.
