Nigeria’s prosperity tied to raw materials utilisation, says RMRDC DG

The Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has emphasised that Nigeria’s economic prosperity depends on the effective utilisation of its vast human and material resources.

He disclosed this in a statement on Saturday after a public lecture at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Speaking at the maiden public lecture themed “Raw Materials Education and Sustainable Development in Contemporary Nigeria,” Ike-Muonso warned that Nigeria risks an economic recession if it fails to maximize the value of its abundant raw materials before export.

He said, “Africa’s underdevelopment is tied to the non-processing of its raw materials on its soil,” he said, linking the continent’s economic struggles to historical factors such as the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and the exploitation of raw materials.”

The RMRDC DG underscored the pivotal role of raw materials in national development, noting that they serve as fundamental inputs in production, influence the quality of final products, and have the potential to create new markets while improving trade balances.

To foster economic growth, he advocated for the transformation of raw materials into valuable industrial inputs.

“Research and development drive innovation and industrialization, leading to economic growth and prosperity,” he stated.

Ike-Muonso also highlighted the importance of integrating raw materials education into Nigeria’s national curriculum, stressing its role in value addition, reducing import dependency, and strengthening supply chain management.

“Raw materials education is crucial for sustainable development and economic diversification in Nigeria,” he said.

Under his leadership, the RMRDC has been championing raw materials education and development through research initiatives, the establishment of demonstration plant complexes, training programs, and collaboration with academic and industrial stakeholders.

He urged manufacturers to support raw materials education, citing its potential to ensure long-term resource availability, enhance supply chain resilience, drive innovation, and promote corporate social responsibility and circular economy principles.

Quoting President Bola Tinubu, he reiterated, “As President Tinubu said, ‘Africa’s natural resources are shaping the future,’ but we must add value to these resources to reap the benefits.”

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, noted that despite Nigeria’s rich natural resource endowment, the challenge remains in harnessing them for economic development.

Represented by a senior academic, he called for collaboration among researchers, academia, industrialists, and the government to build a competitive and sustainable industrial economy.

The VC emphasised that ESUT’s partnership with RMRDC is timely and essential in reshaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

He affirmed the university’s capacity to drive research in science and technology to support national development.