….Council Boss Applauds President’s Commitment to Economic Diversification, Local Content Developments.
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a strong commitment to industrialization, economic diversification, and local content development, saying the administration’s economic policies are accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Speaking at the RMRDC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Prof. Ike-Muonso said the Renewed Hope Agenda has created a favorable environment for strengthening Nigeria’s raw materials value chains, boosting local production, promoting import substitution, and enhancing the competitiveness of indigenous industries.
According to him, President Tinubu’s vision of a resilient and productive economy aligns closely with the Council’s mandate of promoting the development, sustainable utilization, and commercialization of Nigeria’s abundant raw material resources.
The RMRDC boss noted that several policy initiatives introduced by the Federal Government have reinforced the importance of sourcing industrial inputs locally while encouraging investments in research, innovation, and technology-driven industrial growth.
He stated that the administration’s drive to promote Made-in-Nigeria products and strengthen domestic value chains is already producing positive outcomes across key sectors of the economy.
“As a Council, we have intensified efforts to support industries in identifying local alternatives to imported raw materials while facilitating research partnerships aimed at enhancing value addition and resource beneficiation,” he said.
Prof. Ike-Muonso highlighted a number of ongoing RMRDC programmes designed to stimulate industrial development, attract investment, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and drive sustainable economic growth through research-based solutions and industrial linkages.
Among the flagship initiatives, he cited the Council’s recently launched Nationwide Industrial Cluster Programme, which seeks to establish industrial clusters across all 774 local government areas in the country.
The programme, he explained, is designed to transform every local government into a productive industrial hub capable of stimulating manufacturing activities, creating jobs, and boosting local economies through broad stakeholder participation.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda, particularly the administration’s target of building a one-trillion-dollar economy, creating employment opportunities, and improving the living standards of Nigerians.
The RMRDC Director-General also commended the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which directs ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritize locally made goods, services, and indigenous contractors in public procurement.
Describing the policy as a critical pillar of sustainable economic development, he said increased investment in local industries remains essential for building a competitive industrial economy capable of generating employment, strengthening domestic production, and promoting inclusive growth.
Prof. Ike-Muonso reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to collaborating with government agencies, the private sector, research institutions, and development partners to advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic raw materials development initiatives.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s economic future, he said sustained policy support from the Tinubu administration would enhance industrial self-sufficiency, strengthen the manufacturing sector, and unlock greater value from the nation’s vast natural resources.
He further called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support the Federal Government’s industrialization drive by prioritizing local raw materials, investing in value addition, and embracing innovation as a catalyst for economic growth.
The RMRDC, he added, remains committed to promoting local content development and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable industrialization and long-term economic prosperity.
