By Aderogba George
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has sought the support of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the area of publicity for its programmes.
Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director-General/CEO of the council, made the appeal when he paid a visit to the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ike-Muonso said the council had inaugurated the database of raw material in the country, adding that it was currently focusing on making Nigeria’s raw materials more economically viable.
He said this informed the 30 per cent value addition to raw materials before their export, a proposal he said was before the National Assembly.
He added that “in my first year in office, I initiated a campaign that the country does not need to export all of its raw materials; it can use some to develop the country.
“In 2025, we had the Africa Raw Materials Summit and a lot of decisions were taken to grow the region’s raw materials. We are currently planning for another summit.”
He said the summit was initially scheduled to hold in June but was moved to October at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attract more participation and collaboration.
He explained that the council had also created a database of the nation’s raw materials, the most comprehensive of the efforts to identify the numerous raw materials in the country.
He said that through the Nigeria Integrated Information Statistical System for Raw Materials and Products, RMRDC created a centralised platform that would provide real-time data on agricultural and mineral resources.
“It also includes the raw materials supply chain and industrial manufacturing capacity to aid investment and policy planning.
“We presented to the world the second-generation RMRDC database, which is unarguably one of the best, if not the best platforms for informed decision-making policies, investments and manufacturing in this country,” he said.
Ike-Muonso, therefore, urged NAN to take the lead in publicising the council’s programmes, adding that “there are a lot of things we are doing, but the ones I mentioned are the flagship.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for showing tremendous understanding to what the sector could contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Responding, Ali commended the visiting raw material council chief for adding value to the country’s raw materials management.
He commended Ike-Muonso for taking bold step to initiate the 30 per cent value addition, noting that his business approach to boost the country’s raw material sector is commendable.
He also commended President Tinubu for appointing Ike-Muonso as the D-G of RMRDC, saying he had put the round peg in the round hole.
The NAN boss said “we are all focusing on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr president. What RMRDC needs now is awareness to further boost the raw material sector.”
Ali pledged the support of NAN in publicising the activities of RMRDC, adding that “the agency has the reach and subscriber base to give wider coverage to the council.
“Most time Africans wait for global media to get news about what is happening in Africa. NAN is everywhere and will give you the type of publicity you deserve.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne